Postdoctoral Research Fellow (m/f/d) in Philosophy and Ethics of Science

 

Nestled in a modern city surrounded by nature and with an exceptional standard of living, Leibniz University Hannover offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific community.

The Centre for Ethics and Law in the Life Sciences (CELLS) is an international and interdisciplinary institute at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of Leibniz University Hannover. CELLS is at the forefront of research into the ethical, legal and social implications of the life sciences.

CELLS welcomes applications for the following position starting at the earliest possible date: Postdoctoral Research Fellow (m/f/d) in Philosophy and Ethics of Science (salary scale 13 TV-L, 80-100 %)

The duration of the position is 4 years. Working time is negotiable (80-100%) on request; employment of more than 80 % implies minor teaching activities (one course per year). You can find further information on the salary for this position here.

Your role

You will conduct research within the ERC-funded project ‘Managing Performative Science’ (MAPS; a summary of the project can be found here). While your research will centre around philosophical or ethical issues raised by performativity, you will have the opportunity to develop your own research focus (e.g. performative effects of algorithms / AI, performativity in economics, the health or the life sciences, values in science, science & democracy, ‘fast science’, or others).

You will collaborate with CELLS on research coordination, the organization of project-related conferences and workshops, and the preparation of funding applications.

This position requires a regular presence in Hannover, Germany.

Who are we looking for?

The successful candidate must hold a university science degree in the field of philosophy or another relevant discipline.

In addition, we are looking for a candidate with the following:

• A completed, or close to complete, doctoral degree in a relevant field is expected
• Your past research is in the philosophy or ethics of science, a specialization in one of the research fields mentioned above would be desirable
• Ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals
• Independent and professional way of working
• Open-mindedness towards interdisciplinary cooperation
• Strong communication skills, ability to cooperate and work in a team as well as good IT skills
• Excellent English-language skills in spoken and written

Equal opportunities and diversity are core values at Leibniz University Hannover. Our goal is to tap into individual potential and open up possibilities. We therefore welcome applications from anyone interested in the position, irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

We strive towards a balanced and diverse workforce and a reduction in under-representation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz – NGG). We therefore particularly encourage applications for the above-mentioned position from women. Preference will be given to equally-qualified candidates with disabilities.

Why join us?

With more than 5000 employees, Leibniz University Hannover is one of the largest and most attractive employers in the Hannover region. We offer a vibrant interdisciplinary and international working environment, and promote personal and professional development ranging from subject-related skills to leadership and languages.

As a family-friendly university, working hours can be organised according to various flexible models. Part-time employment as well as remote work (mobile work, work from home) can therefore be arranged upon request. We support employees with balancing work and family life, through services such as back-up childcare, childcare during school holidays, and parent-child offices, as well as providing individual advice regarding family responsibilities and caring for dependants.

To promote health and well-being among employees, we offer an extensive sports programme with over 100 different sports, as well as a fitness centre with a sauna and climbing space. Health management measures, such as courses on stress management, good nutrition and relaxation, aim to ensure a healthy workplace.

Leibniz University Hannover has a thriving focus area in the philosophy and ethics of the sciences, with an emerging specialization in PPE. CELLS offers an attractive working atmosphere in an interdisciplinary, research-oriented team with opportunities for scientific development. Due to our international collaborations and visiting scientists, our institute languages are English and German.

 

Additional information

Please address specific inquiries concerning the research focus to Philippe van Basshuysen (Email: philippe.van.basshuysen@cells.uni-hannover.de). For matters related to administration, please contact Yvonne Stöber (Email: yvonne.stoeber@cells.uni-hannover.de).

Please submit your application with supporting documents (cover letter explaining your interest in and qualification for the position, research statement of max. 2 pages explaining your research plan within the MAPS project, CV including a list of publications, certificates, a writing sample of max. 20 pages on any topic that reflects your best philosophical writing, and names as well as contact information of two referees) the latest by September 30, 2024 in electronic form to