Assistant Professor in Philosophy of Science

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Humanities and the Department of Philosophy are seeking to hire an Assistant Professor in Philosophy of Science.

What are you going to do

You will provide education in a dynamic context with ample opportunities for the development of innovative teaching methods. You have a proven track record of teaching in philosophy of science and have the competence to also teach in other areas within theoretical philosophy such as epistemology and philosophy of mind.

You are an active researcher in philosophy of science, who engages with applications in the cognitive sciences and the life sciences. Central to the focus of this position are key topics in philosophy of science such as scientific explanation and the analysis of scientific methods. Besides the importance of work on the explanatory power of theories and models, we look for a researcher who builds in an explicit connection to scientific practice. 

Your research will be part of the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC) which together with the different research schools of the Amsterdam Institute for Humanities Research represents UvA’s research in the Humanities. The position will be embedded within the department of Philosophy in the capacity group ‘Philosophical Tradition in Context’ (PTC). This capacity group explores the historical development of philosophical themes (within a social and cultural context) in interaction with science and religion, culture and society, and with due regard for non-Western philosophy.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• design and conducting independent research in philosophy of science resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals and/or books;
• actively pursuing external funding for research, notably funding from research councils, both national and European;
• actively contributing to and developing national and international research networks and other forms of cooperation;
• actively contributing to the research activities of Institute for Logic, Language and Computation;  
• developing, coordinating and teaching courses in both Dutch and English, in the BA and MA programs;
• supervising BA and MA theses and tutoring students; co-supervising PhD theses;
• actively contributing to the development and improvement of the broader teaching programs in the department;
• taking part in committees and working groups, and carrying out departmental administrative tasks as directed.

What do we require of you

You are a dynamic and ambitious researcher with a strong profile, demonstrable by international publications and an international academic network. Your publications show broad knowledge of work in philosophy of science in general, familiarity with philosophy of mind, and a strong affinity with work in philosophy of the life sciences. Your research matches the profile of the ILLC.

You are able to develop and provide teaching modules in philosophy of science and have the competence to teach in philosophy of mind and in epistemology. Important is a proven flexibility in teaching on topics beyond your own research focus, a willingness to work in interdisciplinary teams of teachers and the ability to offer inspiring lectures and tutorials in the BA, MA and minor programs that aspire to a wide range of students.

Your experience and profile

• hold a PhD in Philosophy with a research focus on philosophy of science;
• hold an international academic network in the research area concerned;
• provides research output commensurate with the level of the position;
• active and ambitious researcher with a strong publication record;
• demonstrable ability and ambition to obtain external research grants;
• wide and relevant teaching experience at BA and MA level; ideally some experience in supervising students
• excellent command (near-native fluency) of both Dutch and English: Non-native Dutch speakers must achieve an active and passive command of Dutch within two years (passing the state examination for Dutch as a Second Language program II, is a prerequisite for a permanent employment contract);
• experience with digital and audiovisual teaching facilities and affinity with ICT in university teaching;
• experienced in valorization and practice-based education and/or research;
• good team worker and versatile at all levels, capable of multidisciplinary co-operation and interest in contributing to an interdisciplinary research environment;
• excellent organisational experience and skills;
• acquired the Dutch Basic Teaching Qualification, or is willing to acquire this within the first two years.

Research that entails collaboration with non-academic institutions and agencies in the Netherlands, Europe, and beyond is highly welcome.

Our offer

We offer a temporary employment contract for a period of two years with the intention of converting it into a permanent contract after a positive assessment. The ideal starting date of the employment contract is between 1 September 2021 and 1 February 2022.

The gross monthly salary, dependent on relevant experience, will range from €3,746 to €5,826, based on 38 hours a week. This is excluding a generous holiday scheme (8%) and year-end bonus (8.3%). A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% rule’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement for the Dutch Universities is applicable.

We additionally offer:

• the opportunity to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams;
• excellent opportunities for study and personal development;
• an inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

About us

To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

About the Faculty of Humanities

The Faculty of Humanities provides education and conducts research with a strong international profile in a large number of disciplines in de field of language and culture. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the faculty maintains close ties with many cultural institutes in the capital city. Research and teaching staff focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and are active in several teaching programs. The faculty offers assistant professors the opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers at research institutes that - partly as a result of their interdisciplinary approach - are world-renowned.

Questions?
For questions about this position or the department you may contact:

• Prof. Mari Mikkola, Chair of the capacity group PTC

Job Application
The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application. You may apply online by using the link below. Applications (to the Dean of the faculty, Prof. F.P. Weerman), including a motivation letter, a detailed CV, a list of publications and the names and email addresses of two referees who can provide letters of recommendation, should be submitted in pdf.

The response period closes on 1 June 2021. Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The first round of interviews will be held in June and July. A trial lecture may be part of the application procedure.

#LI-DNP