Postdoctoral Fellow

Department of Philosophy, University of Toronto, St. George Campus; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent academic institution in Toronto is looking for a Postdoctoral Scholar to start in September 2026. The role includes conducting independent research in various areas of philosophy, possibly teaching, and requires a completed PhD by August 31, 2026. The position offers a salary of at least $60,000 CAD per year and welcomes applications until filled.

Qualifications

• Completed or in process of completing a PhD in philosophy, cognitive science, or a related field.
• All requirements for doctorate completed by August 31, 2026.
• Must be no more than 5 years from degree as of start date.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research and collaborate with the supervisor.
• Possibility of teaching up to two courses per year depending on preferences.

Job description

Department of Philosophy, University of Toronto, St. George Campus

Job category Postdoc or similar / Fixed term

AOS any area of philosophy connected to the supervisor's research

AOS categories

• Epistemology
• Philosophy of Action
• Philosophy of Mind
• Decision Theory
• Philosophy of Cognitive Science
• Philosophy of Science

The Department of Philosophy at the University of Toronto invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position beginning September 2026, for two years with the possibility of extending for a third. This position is under the supervision of Professor Sara Aronowitz.

Area of research

The successful applicant will have research interests connected to one of the ongoing topics in the research group including:

• memory
• spatial and temporal structures in cognition
• goals, desires, and motivated behavior
• theories of learning (formal, informal, and cognitive)
• concept acquisition and change

Methods in the research group include traditional philosophical ones, as well as formal modeling and cognitive psychological research: candidates can have expertise and interest in any of these methods.

Description of duties

The fellow will conduct independent research as well as collaborate with the supervisor and others in the group. This position can be research-only, or include up to two courses per year of teaching, depending on the candidate’s preferences.

Salary

The salary will be at least $60,000 CAD per year

Please note that should the minimum rates stipulated in the collective agreement fall below the rates stated in this posting, the minimum rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.

Required qualifications

Applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing a PhD in philosophy, cognitive science, or a related field. All requirements for their doctorate should be completed by August 31, 2026. Candidates must also be no more than 5 years from the awarding of their degree as of the start date for the position.

Application Instructions

To be considered for this position, applications must be submitted electronically to [e-mail]; please include “Application” in the subject line. Applications should be submitted as a single pdf with a cover letter, a 1-page description of future research plans, a current CV, and a sample of written work. Please also arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to the same address by the application deadline. Any questions can be directed to [e-mail].

Closing date

Complete applications received by Dec 1, 2025 will be given priority; however, the position will remain open until filled.

Supervisor

Professor Sara Aronowitz

Term

September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2028, extendable to August 31st, 2029

FTE

100%

Work hours

The normal hours of work are 40 hours per week for a full-time postdoctoral fellow (pro-rated for those holding a partial appointment) recognizing that the needs of the employee’s research and professional development and the needs of the supervisor’s research program may require flexibility in the performance of the employee’s duties and hours of work.

Collective Agreement

Employment as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto is covered by the terms of the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement. This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Application type

Email

Instructions

Please send (a) cover letter, (b) 1 page research statement, (c) CV, (d) writing sample as a single PDF. Arrange for 3 letters of reference to be sent to the same address.

Contact email

[e-mail]

Deadline

December 1, 2025, 11:59pm EST