Logic List Mailing Archive

Postdoc in social epistemology of argumentation, Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Deadline: 17 Apr 2020

Post-doc in ERC project 'The Social Epistemology of Argumentation'
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
The Netherlands
FTE: 0.8 - 1

Job description

The post-doc position will be embedded in Prof. Catarina Dutilh Novaes' 
ERC-funded project "The Social Epistemology of Argumentation", which is 
devoted to investigating the contribution of argumentation to processes of 
production and circulation of knowledge and other epistemic resources in a 
number of spheres, in particular in science and public/political 
discourse. This post-doc position is intended for the investigation of 
scientific argumentative practices. Science is one of our best examples of 
a disciplined system of collective epistemic activity, and argumentation 
plays a crucial role in these practices. Because scientists seek to 
persuade peers to accept their findings, scientific evidence must 
predominantly be produced by intersubjective methods that can be verified 
and replicated so as to count as convincing arguments supporting the 
theories in question. The post-doc will investigate methods of scientific 
knowledge production, trust, communication, information exchange, and 
validation in different branches of science. The postdoc project will be 
carried out in collaboration with the principal investigator, Catarina 
Dutilh Novaes, and PhD students and other post-docs in the project. The 
position includes ample funding for research and travel. A full 
description of the ERC project is available upon request. Candidates are 
strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the project when 
writing their letter of application, so that they can describe how they 
see themselves contributing to the project.

Your duties

(*) Conduct research on the project topic, resulting in several papers in 
international peer-reviewed journals

(*) Participate in the teaching and research activities of the Theoretical 
Philosophy group, depending on the candidate’s needs and availability

(*) Co-supervise PhD students

(*) Participate in the university’s grant-writing support program and 
submit at least one proposal to a national or international funding agency

(*) Co-organize and coordinate project workshops and other events 
Requirements

The candidate should have a PhD degree (or an approved thesis and a set 
defense date) in Philosophy with specialization in philosophy of science 
(broadly construed). Outstanding candidates with degrees in relevant 
fields such as sociology, psychology, cognitive science, communication 
studies etc. will also be considered, provided they also have some 
background in philosophy. The candidate should have a strong academic 
record and demonstrable affinity with social epistemology and 
argumentation theory. Familiarity with formal methods such as logic, 
probabilities, computer simulations and/or network theory is desirable. 
Excellent spoken and written English as well as strong academic writing 
skills are essential.

What are we offering? A challenging position in a socially involved 
organization. On full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum 
gross monthly salary of EUR 2,709 (scale 10) and a maximum EUR 4,274 
(scale 10), depending on your education and experience. The job profile is 
based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 
FTE.

The initial employment contract will affect a period of 1 year, with the 
possibility of extension for up to 3 years in total. The starting date is 
September 1st 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe 
benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life 
balance, such as:

     a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment


About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a 
better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. 
And to be a university where personal education and societal involvement 
play a leading role. Where people from different disciplines and 
backgrounds work together on innovations and on generating new knowledge. 
Our teaching and research embrace the whole spectrum of science – from 
the humanities, the social sciences and the pure sciences through to the 
life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 26,500 students. We 
employ more than 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible, 
located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring 
environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
Diversity is one of our university’s core values. We are an inclusive 
community, and we believe that diversity and international activities 
enhance the quality of education and research. We are always looking for 
people who can enhance diversity on our campus thanks to their background 
and experience.

Faculty of Humanities
The Faculty of Humanities links a number of fields of study: Language, 
Literature and Communication, Art & Culture, History, Antiquities and 
Philosophy. Our teaching and research focus on current societal and 
scientific themes: from artificial intelligence to visual culture, from 
urbanization to the history of slavery, from ‘fake news’ in journalism 
to communication in organizations. We strive to ensure small group sizes. 
Innovative education and interdisciplinary research are our hallmarks.

Working at the Faculty of Humanities means making a real contribution to 
the quality of leading education and research in an inspiring and personal 
work and study climate. We employ more than 250 staff members, and we are 
home to around 1,300 students.


About the department. The Department of Philosophy, which is one of three 
departments of the Faculty of Humanities, is a vibrant and international 
community of philosophers committed to high-quality teaching and research 
in various areas of philosophy. The Theoretical Philosophy group, where 
the advertised position will be based, is widely recognized as an 
outstanding research group, with strengths in particular in epistemology 
and philosophy of science.

Application. Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the 
application button and upload your curriculum vitae and a cover letter 
where you describe how you see yourself contributing to the project until 
17 April 2020. The job interviews through video conference are planned for 
the week of May 11th (no campus visits).

Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.

Vacancy questions. If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you 
may contact:

Name: Catarina Dutilh Novaes
Position: principal investigator
E-mail: c.dutilhnovaes@vu.nl

Job area: Postdoc
Educational Level: PhD
VU unit: Faculty of Humanities
Contract type: Temporary
Minimum FTE: 0.8
Minimum salary scale: EUR 2,709 (scale 10)
Maximum salary scale: EUR 4,274 (scale 10)

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