Are you an aspiring researcher and would you like to explore the philosophical meaning of the concept ‘drive’ in classical German philosophy? Then you have a part to play as a PhD candidate. Delve into the works of Kant, Fichte, and Schelling and join a compact and friendly environment where you will be able to develop your skills and learn new things. 

The Department of Metaphysics and Philosophical Anthropology is looking for a PhD candidate on a project on the concept of drive (Trieb) in classical German philosophy. The project is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The concept of drive plays an important interdisciplinary role in the modern history of ideas. During the 18th century, the concept of drive received increasing attention in the emerging disciplines of anthropology and psychology, where it was used to describe the human urges and desires, and, more importantly, in the life sciences to explain the inner forces of organic nature. But it was not until the period of classical German philosophy, especially from the 1790s onwards, that this concept developed into an important philosophical concept crucial to Kant's and post-Kantian idealistic systems. The aim of the project is to study its distinct philosophical meaning. As a PhD candidate, you will conduct research on the theoretical foundations of the concept of drive in classical German philosophy, focusing on the comparison between the concept of force and the concept of drive in the works of Kant, Fichte, and Schelling. In addition to your independent research work, you will participate in the activities of the department and help co-organise workshops and conferences. 10% of your time will be devoted to teaching activities. You will write your PhD thesis in English.

• You hold an MA degree in Philosophy.
• You are able to conduct independent research and work in a collaborative research environment.
• You have an excellent command of English.
• You have excellent reading skills in German.
• You are willing to perform teaching duties.
• You have a good knowledge of Classical German Philosophy; familiarity with the project's subject area is desired.

Fixed-term contract: You will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract).

• It concerns an employment for 1.0 FTE.
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,541 per month, and will increase to €3,247 in the fourth year (salary scale P)
• You will receive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract).
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services. Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Working for us means getting extra days off. In case of full-time employment, you can choose between 29 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the legally allotted 20.

The Department of Metaphysics and Philosophical Anthropology and the associated Center for Contemporary European Philosophy teach and research themes in metaphysics and philosophical anthropology from a continental philosophical perspective, combining historical and systematic perspectives. Information on the Department, its members, and its current research themes can be found on its website. The Department is a cohesive unit in which monthly lectures are organised and work in progress is discussed.

The Department of Philosophical Ethics and Political Philosophy is part of the Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies at Radboud University. The faculty is a compact, ambitious organisation with over 160 staff members, housed in eight academic departments and the supporting office, and over 1,000 students. Our educational programme includes several top-notch courses in both in-depth disciplinary fields of study and interdisciplinary and interfaculty studies. The faculty has innovative education and research programmes with a strong focus on current societal issues. 

Radboud University
We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 24,000 students and 5,600 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!