Two Job Opportunities at Cambridge: Research Associates in History of Biology and in Philosophy of Biology

University of Cambridge
Department of History and Philosophy of Science
TWO RESEARCH ASSOCIATE POSITIONS: ONE IN HISTORY OF BIOLOGY AND ONE IN PHILOSOPHY OF BIOLOGY
Salary: £28,982-£37,768p.a., depending on experience
2-year Limit of Tenure applies

The Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge, seeks to appoint two post-doctoral Research Associates, one in history of biology and one in philosophy of biology, to contribute to the multi-centre project ‘Putting the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis to the Test’, which is contextualizing, clarifying and evaluating recent calls for extensions to the ‘Modern Synthesis’ in evolutionary biology.
These Cambridge-based sub-projects will address historical and philosophical concerns. The early years of the Modern Synthesis have been studied in some detail, and yet its identity and effects are controversial and a series of historical questions about its subsequent development remain open, especially for the 1960s to 1990s. A fuller historical account of the nature and legacy of the Modern Synthesis will deepen our understanding of the diverse reactions to attempts to extend that synthesis. The philosophy of science will contribute by providing a thorough analysis of the general meaning of the ‘Extended Synthesis’ itself—whether it offers a new set of theories, a change of emphases, or something else altogether—in addition to clarification and evaluation of the some of the key concepts developed by its advocates. These include the concepts of niche-construction, niche inheritance and reciprocal causation.
The successful candidates will work full-time on this project, each producing at least three research papers over the tenure of their position. They will also be expected to contribute to the project in other ways, including liaising with project workers in other centres, participating in project seminars and workshops, helping to organize workshops, and contributing to the project website. The successful candidates will have the ability to work reliably and efficiently to deadlines and targets. They will be mentored by members of the Cambridge HPS team, which includes Professor Tim Lewens, Dr Nick Hopwood and Dr Marta Halina. They will also have the opportunity to collaborate with members of the Cambridge Zoology Department team, led by Professors Rufus Johnstone and Paul Brakefield, as well as with the large international network of researchers involved in this £5.7 million, multi-centre grant funded by the John Templeton Foundation.
Candidates should have:
  • An outstanding record in either the philosophy of biology or the history of biology
  • An excellent knowledge of diverse approaches to evolution, either from a historical or philosophical perspective
  • Completed their doctorate by the time of taking up the appointment.
To apply online for these vacancies please visit: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/10521/ (Research Associate: History of Biology); http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/10533/ (Research Associate:  Philosophy of Biology)  This will take you to the University’s Job Opportunities pages.

There you will need to click on the 'Apply online' button and register an account with the University's Web Recruitment System (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.   Applicants are able to upload a maximum of three documents.
These should be arranged as follows:

1.) Cover letter, an up to date curriculum vitae and full list of publications combined into one document
2.) Two samples of original written work in a related area (c. 10,000 words in total)
3.) A description of your research plans and an explanation of how your research will contribute to the project. This should not exceed 1,000 words

Closing Date:  1 July 2016
Interview Date:  around mid-July 2016
Start Date: 1 October 2016 (or as soon as possible thereafter)

Please provide the names and contact details of two referees in the space provided. We will contact the referees of shortlisted candidates directly to request references (unless you advise that you do not wish us to do so). Referees will be asked to comment specifically on the candidate's ability to undertake this role in the Department.


If you are unable to upload your documents, please email these as attachments to hpsjobs@hermes.cam.ac.uk, ensuring that you include your surname in the email subject line and in the file names.