Postdoc in Theoretical Philosophy (3 years) Full-time NEW

Postdoc in Theoretical Philosophy (3 years)

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The Research Project

The project What's Next for Frontier Particle Physics? is a five-year research project conducted at Lund University, Sweden, with Principal investigator (PI) Adam Koberinski. Particle physics is at a crossroads: on the one hand, the Standard Model of particle physics has withstood decades of stringent tests, and boasts some of the most precisely confirmed predictions in the history of science. On the other hand, the Standard Model seems to tell us that it shouldn't keep working as well as it does, and physicists expect that it is incomplete. This means that something is wrong with our current understanding of the Standard Model, but what could it be? Conceptual issues like this are a prime place for philosophers of science to weigh in.

This project is a three-pronged philosophical investigation into contemporary particle physics, aimed at diagnosing the theoretical and experimental challenges facing the Standard Model. It involves (1) a close study of the foundations of theoretical particle physics, (2) a big picture study of how and why particle physics was so successful over the last several decades, and (3) an analysis of experiments in particle physics that search for new, currently unknown physics. The project will involve embedded collaboration of philosophers directly within Lund University's particle physics division, allowing for a close exchange of ideas and direct philosophical engagement with physics. Particular attention will be given to experiments conducted at the new European Spallation Source, located in Lund.

In More Detail, The Project Aims To:

1. Develop a new philosophical interpretation of the Standard Model that resolves internal contradictions in the current effective field theory understanding, identifying the epistemically and representationally central features of the theory. This will contribute to both philosophy and physics by clearing up some central confusions as to how and why effective field theories work as well as they do.

2. Analyze the methodology of theory construction in particle physics, using historical cases and contemporary practice to identify reliable markers of scientific progress and successful theory construction. This will provide a new tool for analyzing contemporary scientific disciplines, projecting assessments into the future.

3. Investigate the epistemology of experimental discovery strategies beyond traditional particle accelerators, evaluating novel approaches including precision measurements, small-scale terrestrial experiments, and cosmological observations. Specific attention will be given to the upcoming HIBEAM+NNBAR experiment at the European Spallation Source (ESS) located at Lund University.

Tasks and Responsibilities

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will play a central role in the project from its outset. During the three-year fixed term, your contributions will be essential to ensuring the project moves swiftly and productively from the start. The position offers a substantial degree of intellectual independence within a collaborative research environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct independent, high-quality philosophical research aligned with one or more of the project's three research strands.
• Collaborate with the PI on co-authored journal articles and other project outputs. Regular group meetings and attendance at seminars is expected.
• Provide intellectual guidance and mentorship to potential doctoral students within the research team.
• Present research at national and international conferences and workshops.
• Contribute to the organisation of two project workshops bringing together philosophers of physics, historians of science, and physicists.
• Participate in public engagement activities, including popular science writing and public talks.
• The position is a career development post, and its purpose is to act as an initial step on a career path by providing the opportunity to deepen and broaden your research expertise. The position also includes some pedagogical training. Teaching, supervision and other teaching-related duties may also be included in the duties, but up to a maximum of one-fifth of the working time.

What We Offer

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will have the opportunity to develop your independence as a researcher with the support of senior colleagues. The appointment is limited to 3 years and is full time in accordance with the Agreement regarding fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral fellow. International employees are supported in their move to Sweden. If you have a family, they will find new contacts and support through Lund's International Citizen Hub.

Lund University is a government agency, which means that you get special benefits, generous holidays and a favourable occupational pension. Find out more on the University website about working with us Work at Lund University | Lund University.

Ready to shape the future of research? Find more reasons why Lund University and the HT Faculties is right for you here, and learn more about Working in Lund, Moving to Lund and Living in Lund.

Qualifications

The assessment will primarily be based on your research merits and your potential as a researcher. Particular emphasis will be placed on research competence within the subject area.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree or equivalent international degree in Philosophy of Physics, Philosophy of Science, Theoretical Physics, or a closely related field. This requirement must be fulfilled no later than the date on which the employment decision is made, and as an applicant, you are responsible for supplementing your application with documentation that confirms the completed doctoral degree.
• Ability to develop and carry out high-quality research.
• Teaching ability.
• You have not previously been employed as a postdoc researcher under the existing agreement on fixed-term postdoc employment for more than one year in the same or a related subject area with Lund University.
• Demonstrated research expertise in at least one of: Philosophy of Physics, Philosophy of Experimentation, or Particle Physics.
• A strong publication record (commensurate with career stage) in peer-reviewed venues.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a small, interdisciplinary research team.
• High proficiency in English

Desired Qualifications:

• A doctoral degree completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. If there are special circumstances such as leave of absence because of illness, parental leave, position as elected representative in trade union organisations, military service or service/assignments relevant to the subject area, this time can be deducted from the time elapsed since the doctoral degree was completed.
• Familiarity with the Standard Model of Particle Physics and/or effective field theory.
• Experience engaging with philosophical literature on scientific realism and pragmatism.
• Experience supervising or mentoring doctoral students.
• Track record of interdisciplinary collaboration across philosophy and physics.
• A demonstrated interest in, or prior work on, foundational questions at the frontier of physics.

Terms

The appointment is limited to 3 years and is full time in accordance with the Agreement regarding fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral fellow.

How to Apply

Your application should be written in English and is to include: a research plan, a CV, copy of your doctoral degree certificate, list of publications, and up to five publications.

Your research plan should relate to the theme and research project described above.

You can find instructions on how to compile an application here: How to apply for a postdoc position at the Joint Faculties of Humanity and Theology | The joint faculties of humanities and theology.

Only applicants whose research and previous work could strengthen the research team and the project as a whole will be considered for the position.

Please note that responses to enquiries may take slightly longer during the summer due to holidays.

About The Joint Faculties of the Humanities and Theology The Joint Faculties of the Humanities and Theology have seven departments and carries out large and varied work within research and education with the purpose to understand people as cultural and social beings. The faculties have around 700 employees and around 4000 students.

About the Department of Philosophy The Department of Philosophy has about 80 employees. Research and education at the department is conducted within three subjects: Cognitive science, Practical philosophy and Theoretical philosophy. While these subjects to a large extent conduct research and education independently, there are also close collaborations between them. Read about current activities at the department's webpage.

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