Post-Doctoral Associate

About the Job

The Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science (MCPS) in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral fellowship for a period of two years. The aim of this position is to support researchers within five years of their doctorate in alignment with and contributing toward the mission of the Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science: to promote excellence in research and training in philosophy of science, related empirical studies of science, and science itself. This support is dedicated to a project in philosophy of science (broadly construed) that the applicant proposes.

The MCPS Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to reside in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, undertake research on a proposed project full-time in an office in the MCPS, and participate in the life of the MCPS by attending and contributing each academic term to at least one MCPS research group and participating in the joint weekly colloquium series with the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine Program, as well as special events (e.g., academic workshops). Additionally, in consultation with the Director of the MCPS, MCPS Postdoctoral Fellows will: (1) give an academic talk in the MCPS colloquium series on their research in their first semester in residence; (2) teach one undergraduate course on a topic in philosophy of science either in the third or fourth semester of their residence; and (3) co-lead an MCPS interest group in the third or fourth semester of their residence. MCPS Postdoctoral Fellows are not expected to undertake service responsibility for MCPS or the University of Minnesota. MCPS Postdoctoral Fellowships may not be deferred.

Qualifications

Applicants will have been awarded a doctorate in philosophy or history and philosophy of science within five years of the starting date of the position. Additionally, applicants must have had a dissertation project on or substantial publication in some topic in philosophy of science. Scholars working in all areas of philosophy of science, inclusive of philosophical approaches to logic and mathematics, are eligible. This is understood broadly to include general philosophy of science, as well as issues in the history and practice of particular sciences. Applications are encouraged from scholars with newly awarded doctorates in philosophy or history and philosophy of science at early stages of their career who have not yet secured a permanent academic position. Submissions from members of traditionally underrepresented groups are particularly welcome.

The successful candidate will propose a focused project in philosophy of science to be undertaken and completed during the term of the position. The criteria for evaluation are the academic merit of the proposal and the academic strength of the candidate (demonstrated and potential research excellence and leadership), as well as the potential of the applicant to complement existing strengths of fellows and affiliates of the Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science.

About the Department

The Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science is located on the west bank of the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota. We offer a flexible working environment and encourage Center members, visitors and staff to engage in the vibrant intellectual community of faculty, postdocs, and graduate students created by the diverse interest groups, colloquia, and other activities the Center organizes.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Candidates should submit

• A cover letter indicating that a postdoctoral fellowship is sought and the intended starting date.
• A description of the research project to be undertaken during residence (1,000 words maximum; ~2 pages single-spaced) with bibliography/references (1 page maximum, also single-spaced).
• A curriculum vitae.
• A sample of the applicant's written work (published or unpublished).
• Letters of reference from three scholars knowledgeable of the applicant and the applicant's work (sent separately to mcps@umn.edu).
• Documentation affirming that the requisite doctorate was or will be officially awarded, or that the applicant will have satisfied all formal requirements for the doctorate, including an unqualified acceptance of the dissertation manuscript and the unqualified passing of the oral exam, within the previous five years of the intended starting date of the fellowship.

Application deadline: 6 December 2024

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).