The two PhD positions will be embedded in Prof. Catarina Dutilh Novaes’ ERC-funded project ‘The Social Epistemology of Argumentation’, which is devoted to investigating the contribution of argumentation to processes of production and circulation of knowledge and other epistemic resources in a number of spheres, in particular in science and public/political discourse. One of the PhD projects will focus on argumentation in situations of epistemic diversity; the other will focus on argumentation in connection with epistemic injustice and power relations. Both projects will be carried out in close collaboration with the project’s principal investigator, Catarina Dutilh Novaes, and the post-docs of the project. The position includes ample funding for research and travel. A full project description is available upon request by writing to Prof. Dutilh Novaes (c.dutilhnovaes@vu.nl); candidates are strongly encouraged to read the project description carefully when preparing their applications.


Your duties

• conduct research on the project’s topic, resulting in a PhD dissertation and in journal publications
• participate in the teaching and research activities of the Theoretical Philosophy group
• complete the required PhD coursework for the Humanities Graduate School

The candidate should have a Master’s or Research Master’s degree primarily in Philosophy, but we will consider outstanding candidates with degrees in relevant fields such as social psychology, cognitive science, argumentation studies. The candidate will have a strong academic record and affinity with contemporary epistemology, broadly understood (including analytic epistemology, the literature on epistemic injustice, standpoint theory, feminist epistemology etc.) as well as interest in argumentation theory. Familiarity with political philosophy and/or political science would be a plus, as both projects will focus extensively on public and political discourse. Excellent spoken and written English as well as strong academic writing skills are essential.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts € 2,325 gross per month during the first year and increases to 2,972 gross per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 FTE.
The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for another 3 years.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• contribution to commuting allowance based on public transport

https://workingat.vu.nl/vacancies

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