The Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague is seeking to appoint

3 positions for postdoctoral or early career researchers in philosophy

The positions will be associated with Professor Ladislav Kvasz's research project "Formal epistemology – the next synthesis" (see the attached project bellow) funded by the Czech Academy of Sciences. The project is scheduled for 6 years, which is also the maximum duration of the appointments. The positions are differentiated according to three subject areas:

1) The first position will be devoted to the historical and philosophical study of the formalization of logic, focusing on the contribution of Gottlob Frege. Formal logic was one of the most successful examples of formalization of a (formerly) philosophical discipline. We want to understand more deeply what made this formalization possible, how it unfolded, and whether the pattern of this formalization can also be applied in epistemology.

2) The second position will be reserved for the study of the contemporary attempts at developing a formal epistemology. At present there are several groups working in this area. One of the aims of the grant team will be to establish cooperation and exchange of ideas with these groups, to map the current research in formal epistemology and to find ways of integrating the project into that research.

3) The third position will be devoted to the study of the epistemology actually employed in physical research, focusing on crucial historical episodes that are well understood from the historical point of view, preferably on Newton's or Maxwell's work, rather than on contemporary physics. The crucial question is how the actual practice of gaining new scientific knowledge in physics relates to the epistemological debates in philosophy (of a prior, contemporary or later period).

We are looking for candidates who hold a PhD degree in logic, epistemology, philosophy of science or related disciplines (obtained after January 1, 2011) with a relevant research background, strong motivation for research, and competence to carry out both independent and collaborative research. The starting date for the appointments is January 1, 2017. The positions are offered for two years, with a possible extension of up to six years on the basis of research performance and with respect to the priorities of the project. The salaries will be 42 000 CZK gross/month.

For questions and further information please contact Prof. Ladislav Kvasz, the principal investigator of the research project, by e-mail at kvasz [__at__] flu [dot] cas [dot] cz but do not submit applications via this address.

Please submit your application by e-mail by October 15, 2016 to the address fep [__at__] flu [dot] cas [dot] cz. Your application should include: CV with a list of publications and specification of language skills; a short summary of your past research (up to 400 words); and a motivational letter, including description of research plans in one of the three subject areas mentioned above (up to 400 words).

Two confidential letters of reference should be sent directly by their authors to the e-mail address fep [__at__] flu [dot] cas [dot] cz by October 31, 2016.

The Institute of Philosophy is an equal opportunity employer.