PhD Position in History

University of Copenhagen

Section: History and Philosophy of Science

Department: Department of Science Education

Faculty: Faculty of SCIENCE

Institution: University of Copenhagen

Application Deadline: 7 November 2025

Earliest Start Date: 1 April 2026 (start can be postponed to later in 2026)

About the Position

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate for a three-year PhD position in history and/or philosophy of science, in the research project Human Variables in Biodiversity Assessment (HUMAN_BIAS), funded by a Carlsberg Foundation Semper Ardens Accelerate grant.

The project is hosted by the Section in History and Philosophy of Science, with Associate Professor Joeri Witteveen as principal investigator.

Project Description

Climate change and biodiversity loss are recognized as the twin environmental crises of our time. While climate science benefits from clear, globally agreed metrics, biodiversity science relies on a proliferation of competing indicators, baselines, and indices. These metrics are shaped not just by ecological facts but also by human variables: values, priorities, aims, and interests.

The HUMAN_BIAS project investigates how human variables influence the development and use of biodiversity metrics, and how their impact can be understood, managed, and, where appropriate, embraced. The project focuses on three critical decision points in biodiversity assessment:

1. Setting baselines and boundaries for measurement
2. Categorizing and classifying extinction and ecosystem risks
3. Compiling global biodiversity indices from local data

The project combines epistemic, ethical, ontological, and historical-philosophical perspectives, asking questions such as: How do choices about data standards affect the robustness of biodiversity evidence? Whose values should be represented in biodiversity measurement? When do metrics become “performative”? How have past decisions shaped present-day extinction risk assessments?

HUMAN_BIAS integrates conceptual analysis with qualitative methods such as stakeholder interviews and archival research. The PhD project will develop research questions, methodology, and project plan in collaboration with the supervisor. Applicants should suggest a focus area and/or research questions at the application stage, preferably within one of the work packages:

• Human variables and the promise of robust knowledge
• Human variables and the diversity of interests
• Human variables and the making of extinction risk

For further project details, contact Joeri Witteveen (jw@ind.ku.dk).

Place of Employment

The PhD project will be based at the Department of Science Education, Section for History and Philosophy of Science. As part of the PhD education, the candidate will receive teaching training and contribute to courses offered by the department, including philosophy of science courses for biology students.

Supervision

• Principal supervisor: Joeri Witteveen
• Co-supervisor: to be selected upon employment
• Additional feedback from postdocs in the HUMAN_BIAS project and other researchers in the section

Candidate Profile

We seek a highly motivated PhD candidate with:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline (philosophy, history and philosophy of science, science and technology studies, conservation science, ecology, or related fields)
• Curiosity and interest in practice-oriented philosophy of science
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
• Secondary training in science (for humanities background) or in HPS (for science background)
• Interest in teaching philosophy of science to science students
• Comfort with collaborative research and group work
• Experience with archival research and/or qualitative methods (depending on project focus)

About the Section for History and Philosophy of Science

The section offers creative, stimulating working conditions in a dynamic international research environment, with 10 permanent faculty members and several PhD students and postdocs. Research focuses on practice-oriented and empirically informed history and philosophy of science, addressing epistemological and ethical aspects of science.

PhD Program Details

• Eligibility: Completed Master’s degree equivalent to Danish MSc (180 ECTS BSc + 120 ECTS MSc) in relevant fields
• Applicants who have already completed a PhD cannot apply
• Employment: Full-time, maximum three years
• Conditional on enrollment as a PhD student at the PhD School, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen
• Terms of employment and salary: According to agreement between Ministry of Finance and AC
• Position covered by Protocol on Job Structure

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research under supervision
• Complete approx. 30 ECTS of PhD courses
• Participate in active research environments, including potential stays abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination (~20 weeks over 3 years)
• Write scientific papers for high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis

Application Procedure

Applications must be in English and submitted electronically. Include:

• Cover letter explaining qualifications and research focus (max. 1 page)
• Motivation letter including a suggested potential PhD project (max. 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• Copies of diplomas and transcripts (including English translation if necessary)
• Writing sample (e.g., Master’s thesis)
• Publication list (if relevant)
• Names and email addresses of two references (letters not required)

Deadline: 7 November 2025, 23:59 (GMT +1)

Selection Process

• After the deadline, the recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment by the hiring committee
• Committee evaluates academic qualifications, experience, and skills
• Applicants have the opportunity to comment on assessment
• Online interviews expected in the week of 8–12 December 2025 and/or 5–9 January 2026

Contact

Joeri Witteveen
E-mail: jw@ind.ku.dk

Additional Information

The University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, reflecting the diversity of the surrounding community.

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