Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is a young and lively university, a hub of opportunity open to the world where students are offered a quality interdisciplinary education in which they can be fully engaged and take center stage, and where our researchers can count on having the space to freely pursue their initiative.
Established in 1996, USI is in constant evolution, always taking on new challenges while remaining true to its three guiding principles: quality, openness and responsibility.
The Master program in Philosophy at USI:
- stands out for the international stature of its professors;
- is research-oriented, aimed at preparing its students for the most demanding PhD-programmes around the world;
- focuses on four core areas: Metaphysics, Philosophy of Mind, Logic, Philosophy of Science;
- requires students to submit regular written work, to produce research papers and to develop their presentation and discussion skills;
- guarantees a personal tutor, who is one of the professors of the Master and provides regular one-on-one tutorials, feedback on written work, and guidance about future academic careers.
USI invites applications for a research and teaching PhD position in Philosophy (100%, 4 years).
The PhD Position
The successful candidate will be offered the possibility to work in a dynamic research team and in a multidisciplinary and international scientific environment.
The PhD candidate will collaborate to the development of the institute research agenda. He or she will have the task of setting up a collection of data for his or her dissertation, while at the same time participating in a variety of tasks related to the research streams in which he/she is involved.
On the teaching side, he/she will work as teaching assistant in courses at master level, helping in the preparation of teaching materials and tutoring students.
The PhD candidate is also asked to present papers at scientific conferences, and produce publications for scientific journals.
Candidates’ profile
Ideal candidates should satisfy the following requirements:
- A Master (or equivalent title) in Philosophy, or related disciplines.
- High personal interest in analytic metaphysics, philosophy of mind, logic or philosophy of
physics. - Good skills in oral and written English
- Good oral and writing skills in Italian.
- Ability to work independently and to plan and direct own work
- Motivation to engage in the elaboration of a PhD dissertation. Ability to work in team and autonomy in scheduling research steps. Interest for teaching and tutoring students and availability to collaborate with colleagues (engage in scientific dialogue, listen and think critically) are required.
- Past administrative or tutoring experience is desirable.
Contract terms
Admission to the Ph.D. position is highly competitive. Admission decisions are based on the candidate’s background, interests, attitude and potential for academic achievement. Successful enrolment in the Ph.D. program and the position as doctoral researcher are not
compatible with a further professional activity.
The successful candidate will have the possibility to interact with an international network of collaborators.
Workplace is USI Università della Svizzera italiana, located in Lugano, Switzerland. Availability to travel to other parts of Switzerland and abroad (for purposes of collaboration and research) is required.
Starting date is November 1st, 2022 (at the earliest). However, the position will be kept open until a suitable candidate has been found.
The Application
Applications should contain: (1) a letter in which the applicants describe their research interests and the motivation to apply, (2) a complete CV, (3) copies of relevant diplomas, certificates as well as the full transcript of records that prove the candidates’ eligibility for doctoral studies in Philosophy, (4) an electronic version of a research work (Master thesis or other scientific publication). The latter must be accompanied by a short summary in English (1 page maximum). A support letter written by the Master thesis supervisor (or another Professor who knows the candidate well) is equally welcome.
Please send your application in electronic form (subject line: “PhD position 2022”) or requests for further information to Damiano Costa (damiano.costa@usi.ch).
Applications received before August 31st, 2022, will be given priority. However, applications will be received until the position is filled.
As an institution that values diversity, USI particularly encourages applications from women and from all individuals from underrepresented groups.
Lugano, August 11th, 2022