4-year PhD position

General information:

The Institute of Philosophy at the University of Neuchâtel seeks to appoint two PhD students in connection with the SNF-project, “An Ontology of Production, Products and By-Products”, led by Oliver Massin and Kathrin Koslicki.
The goal of this project is to develop and implement an ontology of human-made products and by-products by way of a detailed study of the ontology of artifacts (subproject 1) as well as the ontology of wealth and economic goods (subproject 2).
For more information about the project, please consult the project description: http://www.unine.ch/philo/en/home/research/an-ontology-of-production.html.

Starting date: 1 October 2023.

Duration of the Contract: 30 September 2027 (4 years).

Place of Employment: Institute of Philosophy, Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, University of Neuchâtel, Espace Tilo- Frey 1, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland

Salary: Year 1: CHF 47¢040 (3¢920/month); Year 2: CHF 48¢540 (4¢045/month); Year 3/4: CHF 50¢040 (4¢170/month).

Job Description:
One PhD student will conduct research for a doctoral thesis on the ontology of artifacts under the supervision of Kathrin Koslicki.
A second PhD student will conduct research for a doctoral thesis on the ontology of wealth and economic goods under the supervision of Olivier Massin.

• Teaching: two hours per week, related to the project.
• Participation in the evaluation and proctoring of exams.
• Advising and mentoring students.
• Active engagement in the development of the Institute of Philosophy (organization of conferences, promotion of philosophy to prospective students, etc.).
• Participation in the weekly research symposium as well as other symposia and conferences organized by the Institute of Philosophy.
• Presenting work related to doctoral research at international conferences.
• Participating in workshops and other training for doctoral students.
• Publishing articles related to the doctoral dissertation.
• Plan a one or two semester long stay abroad while conducting doctoral research.
• Regular presence at Institute (an office and IT equipment will be provided).

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Philosophy; completed prior to taking up the PhD position.
• Extensive background in metaphysics, social ontology, philosophy of action, philosophy of economics, or related areas relevant to a study of the ontology of artifacts (PhD position 1) or the ontology of wealth and economic goods (PhD position 2).
• Curiosity and the ability to conduct original research.
• Passion for teaching.
• Knowledge of English (fluent) required; mastery of, or willingness to learn, French.

Application procedure:

Applications must include the following:

• A cover letter explaining the applicant’s fit for the position (one page).
• A curriculum vitae.
• A thesis project proposal (one page).
• A writing sample (ideally, on a topic relevant to the project).
• Copies of diplomas.
• The names and contact information of three references.

Application materials should be sent as a single PDF document to Profs. Kathrin Koslicki and Olivier Massin to the following email address: productsontology@gmail.com. Application deadline: May 31, 2023.

For more information, please contact Profs. Kathrin Koslicki (kathrin.koslicki@unine.ch) and Olivier Massin (olivier.massin@unine.ch).

For additional information, please consult the following websites:

• the University’s statutes and salary regulations: http://www.unine.ch/srh/assistant-e-s-doctorant-e-s
• the Institute of Philosophy: http://www.unine.ch/philo/home.html

The University of Neuchâtel promotes diversity among its staff and is committed to offering a non- discriminatory work environment.