2 Postdoc positions in history of science at Aarhus University
AARHUS
UNIVERSITY
Centre
for Science Studies
2
Postdoc positions in history of science
to be
filled as part of the research project “Shaping Cultures of Prediction:
Knowledge, Authority, and the Construction of Climate Change” funded by the
Danish Council for Independent Research (Humanities).
The
project “Shaping Cultures of Prediction” examines the emergence of climate
modeling as a culture of prediction in the formative period between ca. 1960
and 1985. It aims at investigating 1) how climate modeling emerged from a
competition between different knowledge claims and epistemic standards to
attain hegemonic status, and 2) how the use of climates models shifted from
heuristic research instrument to application as a predictive tool for long-term
climate prediction. See also the project website on http://css.au.dk/forskning/projects/cultures-of-prediction/.
Postdoc
position 1: Subproject “From heuristic to predictive climate simulation:
Agendas in the modeling communities”
This
subproject examines the shift from heuristic to predictive use of climate
models and asks how climate models came to enjoy scientific authority as
predictive tools. It will focus on investigating the work and impact of leading
US climate modelers such as Stephen H. Schneider, William W. Kellogg and James
E. Hansen in the period from about 1970 to 1985. This subproject will (1) help
to illuminate the different interests, perceptions and practices within the
climate modeling community, and the decisions they entailed, (2) explore the
interaction of scientific and political interests in the climate modeling
context, and (3) provide a better understanding of scientific, political and
cultural sources of confidence and trust in climates models and their use as
predictive tools.
Requirements
for this position are:
•
Several years of experience in the history of science. Experience in the
history of atmospheric science, climatology or climate modelling will be an
advantage;
• A very
good command of English;
• The
ability and willingness to spend time for archival research in the USA (and
possibly other countries) and to pursue interviews;
•
Experience and interest in collaborative research and international
collaboration.
Expected
start of the position: As soon as possible.
Postdoc
position 2: Subproject “Negotiation of simulation knowledge: Responses from
climatology”
This
subproject examines the discussion and negotiation of new modeling approaches
and knowledge by climatological communities in the UK, Germany and Scandinavia
and will focus on leading climatologists. This subproject will (1) investigate
responses to climate modeling by leading climatologists in Sweden and/or
Germany such as Hermann Flohn and Richard T. A. Scherhag in Germany, and Hans
W. Ahlmann, Carl-Gustaf Rossby and Bert Bolin in Sweden, and (2) prepare and
organize a dedicated website to be hosted by the Center for History of Physics
(American Institute of Physics) with the materials, sources and findings of the
project.
Requirements
for this position are:
•
Several years of experience in the history of science. Experiences in the
history of atmospheric science, climatology or climate modeling will be of advantage;
• A good
command of either Swedish or German (or both) and the willingness to acquire
sufficient language skills in the other language; additionally a good command
of English is needed;
• The
ability and willingness to spend time for archival research in Sweden and
Germany (and possibly also Austria and Switzerland) and to pursue interviews;
•
Experience and interest in collaborative research and international
collaboration.
Expected
start of position: ca. August 2014.
“Shaping
Cultures of Prediction” is a collaborative research project between Aarhus
University, the University of Stockholm and King’s College, London. The
postdocs will be part of a research team based in Aarhus, and the working place
will be the Centre for Science Studies at Aarhus University. Both positions
will be filled for a project period of 2 years.
The
Centre for Science Studies is one of the big university centers in the history
and philosophy of science in Europe and the biggest in Scandinavia. Its
research activities focus on the history and philosophy of contemporary
science. For more information see: http://css.au.dk/en/.
Aarhus
is located at the coast of the Baltic Sea in Jutland. It is the second biggest
city in Denmark with about 300,000 inhabitants. With more than 40,000 students
it is considered the youngest city in Denmark. It, has one of the largest
harbors in Northern Europe, holds numerous historical buildings and cultural
institutions and offers a rich cultural and student life.
Applications
must be in English and must include a CV, a complete list of publications, all
degree documents, one letter of recommendation, and two writing samples
(articles, dissertation chapters, etc.). Applications have to be submitted
online by following the link below.
Please
specify in your application letter whether you wish to apply to postdoc
position 1 or to postdoc position 2 or both.
For more
information please contact: Associate Professor Matthias Heymann, matthias.heymann@ivs.au.dk
Deadline:
All
applications must be received by 30 September 2013.