We are seeking to fill a half-time doctoral position as soon as possible for Philosophy / Epistemology of Geology funded by the DFG (German Research Foundation). The doctoral position is based at the Chair for Theory of Science and Technology and integrated into the ongoing research group on the Philosophy of (Digital) Science (www.css-lab.rwth-aachen.de). The position further entails close cooperation with the Käte Hamburger Centre ‘Cultures of Research’, which offers periods of residence to ten international fellows from the fields of philosophy of science, sociology of science, and history of science each year (www.khk.rwth-aachen.de). The DFG research project is interdisciplinary, designed for collaborative research with scientists from geology and computer science, and focuses on the transformation of geology from a historically hermeneutic science into a model- and computer-based forecasting science. The plans for the research project include international cooperation as well as an international conference on the Philosophy of (Digital) Geology.
Your Profile
- University degree (Master or equivalent) in the field of philosophy and/or science studies
- Strong basic knowledge of philosophy of science and/or science studies
- Good computer skills
- Good English skills
- Ability to perform scientific work independently
- Creativity, flexibility, team orientation
- Willingness to teach philosophy
- Experience in reflecting on current developments in new, digital epistemological methods (computer simulation, big data, machine learning) would be advantageous
Your Duties and Responsibilities
The goal of the DFG-sponsored research project is to develop and elaborate a philosophy of geology that has been seriously neglected to date: a philosophy of geology investigates the transformation of classical geology into digital geology, and the various epistemological strategies it applies. The focus is on reconstructing the research logic of classical geology, analysing geological models from the perspective of epistemology. The research work will be supported by a student assistant from the geology department. The research belongs to the context of the ‘Modelling & Simulation’ debate in philosophy of science, but also to science studies on digital practices of generating knowledge. A potential dissertation is possible and encouraged. A doctorate in the philosophy of geology offers the possibility to open up a new field for the philosophy of science.
What We Offer
The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract.
The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term of three years.
This is a part-time position (50 % of the standard weekly hours for full-time employees).
The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position.
The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L).
The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13.
About us
RWTH is a certified family-friendly University. We support our employees in maintaining a good work-life balance with a wide range of health, advising, and prevention services, for example university sports. We also offer a comprehensive continuing education scheme and a public transportation ticket available at a significantly reduced price. RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly from groups that are underrepresented at the University. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is strongly committed to encouraging women in their careers. Female applicants are given preference if they are equally suitable, competent, and professionally qualified, unless a fellow candidate is favored for a specific reason. As RWTH is committed to equality of opportunity, we ask you not to include a photo in your application. You can find information on the personal data we collect from applicants in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) at
http://www.rwth-aachen.de/dsgvo-information-bewerbungDeadline
The deadline for the application is December 31, 2021.