Applications are invited for a 24-month full-time postdoctoral fellowship to work on the project “In Defense of Affective Benevolence”. The project is supported by the Swiss National Foundation and will be hosted by the Philosophy department, the Genevan Center for Philanthropy (GCP) and the Swiss Center for Affective Science (CISA) of the University of Geneva. The principal investigator is Prof. Julien Deonna.
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT: The project’s aim is to examine anew factual and normative questions pertaining generally to the role of emotions in matters of benevolence as well as their role into the more restricted domain of organized philanthropy. It hypothesizes that when we grasp the non-eliminable role emotions and the emotional self plays in our understanding of the evaluative layout of our social environments, in particular as it concerns other agents in pursuit of their own happiness, a fashionable cynicism and skepticism vis-à-vis the role of emotions in altruistic attitudes and actions ceases to be compelling.
Interested candidates should read the full project (especially section (2)) here:
Information about the research group can be found here:
http://www.unige.ch/lettres/philo/recherche/research-groups/thumos/l
And here:
https://www.unige.ch/philanthropie/en
Potential candidates who have worked on topics related to the philosophy of mind (esp. emotions), ethics (eps. altruism, benevolence) and/or political philosophy (esp. state vs private funding of public services) are especially encouraged to apply. The recipient must have earned a doctorate or Ph.D. in philosophy at least one month before the start date (August 2025) and not over 5 years at the time of hire. There is no restriction on nationality, but the recipient may have to obtain the appropriate visas. High-level English language skills are expected, French is not required. Starting gross annual salary is 84’000 CHF.
The recipient will be expected to take a leading role in representing the project within the GCP, help to create and maintain the project online visibility, and generally participate in the intellectual life of the Geneva philosophy department and CISA (through attendance at colloquia, etc.). The postdoc will be provided with workspace in CISA near co-workers.
Applications should be written in English and should include: 1) a cover letter including contact information. 2) a curriculum vitae, including a list of publications. 3) a research statement (1 to 3 pages) summarizing the applicant’s research to date and interests related to the topic of emotion and/or benevolence and/or philanthropy. 4) a writing sample of approximately 5000 words. 5) two letters of recommendation.
Application material 1-4- may be submitted to Julien.deonna@unige.ch or via dossier services such as Interfolio. Letters of recommendation not sent by a dossier service should be sent directly by the letter writers to Julien.deonna@unige.ch (Interfolio also ok). Application deadline: 6th of January. Start of project: August 2025.