JOB: 2-year postdoc in philosophy of science/digital humanities, Application Deadline: October 1, ERC Project on MODEL TRANSFER, University of Hannover 

The Institute of Philosophy invites applications for the position of a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Philosophy of Science / Digital Humanities (Salary Scale 13 TV-L, 80 %) with an expected but flexible starting date of February 1, 2024. The position is limited to 2 years, with the possibility of extension.

In the context of the project “MODEL TRANSFER – Model Transfer and its Challenges in Science: The Case of Economics,” funded by the European Research Council (ERC) through a Starting Grant to Catherine Herfeld (Leibniz University Hannover), we seek to appoint a postdoctoral researcher in philosophy of science with special expertise in computational and statistical methods / digital humanities. To study the phenomenon of model transfer and its challenges in science, focusing in particular on economics, the project members will also use tools from network analysis, blockmodeling and topic modeling to identify relevant transfer patterns as well as track and empirically map the transfer processes of models across different domains. Find out more about the project here and here. The position is attached to the Chair of Philosophy and History of Economics (Prof. Dr. Catherine Herfeld). The position is remunerated according to salary scale “13 TV-L” (Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Länder).

Responsibilities and tasks

The position is dedicated to the research that will be undertaken in the context of the ERC project. The successful candidate will be expected to work in our team, actively participate in all project events, develop and co-organize events on the project topic and present their research at conferences and workshops on a regular basis. The ERC project and chair are located at a department, which hosts one of the most vibrant philosophy of science group in Germany. The research and teaching of the department focus on philosophy and history of science, thereby covering a variety of areas and approaches within the field.

Employment conditions and requirements

To qualify for the position, applicants have to hold an academic degree in philosophy, philosophy of science, philosophy of economics, sociology of science, or some related field. A doctorate in philosophy, a social science or another field that uses computer-aided methods and statistical tools, completed at the time of starting the position, is expected. Previous research that demonstrates excellent skills in the required methods are expected. Having a research focus in integrated history and philosophy of science, sociology of science, philosophy of economics, and/or history of economics is not required but would be an advantage. Applicants should be fluent in English; fluency in German is not required.

The university aims to promote equality between women and men. For this purpose, the university strives to reduce under-representation in areas where a certain gender is under-represented. Women are under-represented in the salary scale of the advertised position. Therefore, qualified women are encouraged to apply. Moreover, we welcome applications from qualified men. Preference will be given to equally-qualified applicants with disabilities.

Please submit your application with supporting documents (cover letter explaining your interest in and qualification for the position, CV including a list of publications, certificates, summary of your dissertation of max. 1,000 words, a writing sample of ca. 20 pages on any topic that reflects your best philosophical writing, and names as well as contact information of three potential referees) the latest by October 1, 2023 as a single pdf to

Email: catherine.herfeld@philos.uni-hannover.de

or by postal mail to:

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
Institute of Philosophy
Prof. Dr. Catherine Herfeld
Lange Laube 6, 30159 Hannover
Germany

For further information about the available position, you may contact Prof. Dr. Catherine Herfeld (email: catherine.herfeld@philos.uni-hannover.de).

Information on the collection of personal data according to article 13 GDPR can be found at https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/datenschutzhinweis-bewerbungen/.