Postdoc Position in Philosophy

University of Copenhagen

Project: Human Variables in Biodiversity Assessment (HUMAN_BIAS)

Section: History and Philosophy of Science

Department: Department of Science Education, Faculty of Science

University: University of Copenhagen

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

Earliest Start Date: 1 April 2026 (flexible)

About the Position

The Department of Science Education at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a two-year post-doctoral position in history and/or philosophy of science, as part of the HUMAN_BIAS project, funded by the Carlsberg Foundation Semper Ardens Accelerate grant.

The project is led by Associate Professor Joeri Witteveen and investigates how human variables—such as values, priorities, and interests—shape the development and use of biodiversity metrics. The post-doc will contribute to understanding, managing, and interpreting these human factors in biodiversity assessment.

Key research areas include:

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

The position integrates conceptual, ethical, ontological, and historical-philosophical perspectives, using methods such as stakeholder interviews, archival research, and practice-oriented philosophy of science.

Responsibilities

• Conduct an independent post-doc research project within the scope of HUMAN_BIAS.
• Develop research questions, methodology, and project plan in collaboration with the supervisor.
• Participate in teaching philosophy of science courses for biology students (~8 weeks/year).
• Contribute to the local research group and departmental activities.
• Write and publish scientific papers in high-impact journals.

Candidate Profile

• PhD (or equivalent) in philosophy, history and philosophy of science, STS, conservation science, ecology, or related disciplines.
• Strong interest in practice-oriented philosophy of science.
• Excellent written and spoken English. Danish proficiency is not required.
• Desirable: cross-disciplinary expertise (e.g., philosophy + ecology or biology + HPS).
• Experience with teaching philosophy of science to science students is a plus.
• Comfortable working collaboratively in a research group.
• Depending on focus, experience with archival research or qualitative methods is an advantage.

About the Section

The Section for History and Philosophy of Science offers a dynamic, international research environment with 10 permanent faculty members, PhD students, and post-docs. The Section focuses on practice-oriented and empirically informed history and philosophy of science.

Website: HPS Section at University of Copenhagen

Terms of Employment

• Appointment and salary follow the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff and agreements with the Danish Ministry of Taxation.
• Salary supplements are negotiable.

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted in English electronically via APPLY NOW and include:

1. Cover letter (max. 2 pages) detailing qualifications and research focus
2. Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) including a suggested post-doc project, key research questions, and methodology
3. Curriculum vitae
4. Copies of diplomas and transcripts (including authorized English translations if applicable)
5. Publication list and up to 3 relevant preprints
6. Names and email addresses of two references

If the PhD is not yet awarded, include a statement from your supervisor about the expected defense date.

• Online interviews are expected: 8–12 December 2025 or 5–9 January 2026.
• Contact for project information: Joeri Witteveen, jw@ind.ku.dk

The University of Copenhagen values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.