Postdoc in philosophy of science (or related domains) on knowledge security

Utwentecareers; Enschede; On-site; EUR 41,000 - 51,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance 8%

End-of-year bonus 8.3%

Pension scheme

Extra leave hours

Job summary

University of Twente invites applications for a postdoctoral position in philosophy of science within the KNOWSEC project. The appointee will examine knowledge security frameworks, openness and related normative questions, guiding empirical studies with PhD researchers and policy stakeholders.

The role emphasizes cross-disciplinary work across geopolitics, law, philosophy of science, and science studies. Proficiency in English (C2) is required and collaboration with the KiTeS team is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in philosophy of science or related field with experience in epistemological and conceptual analysis.
• Demonstrated interest in knowledge security and/or scientific integrity issues.
• Experience collaborating across disciplinary boundaries and team work.
• Excellent publication track record in peer-reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Delineate conceptualizations of main concepts like knowledge, openness, security and their normative foundations.
• Explore epistemological trade-offs of different conceptualizations for knowledge generation and scientific integrity.
• Examine risks of conceptual drift toward broader areas of science and assist empirical studies.

Skills

English (C2)

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Philosophy of science

Education

PhD in philosophy of science or STS

Job description

Job description

Over the past two decades, the Dutch and European knowledge sectors have consistently emphasised international collaboration and open science. More recently they are confronted with the realities of escalating geopolitical competition. This has resulted in the National Knowledge Security Guidelines (2022) in The Netherlands and the EU Council Recommendation on Enhancing Research Security (2024) with the ambition to keep research collaboration “as open as possible [yet] as closed as necessary”. However, how such boundaries can and should be drawn, and their consequences for the idea of science and its practices within universities have not been really investigated.

The NWA funded project: Fostering the Resilience of the Dutch Knowledge Sector: Knowledge Security and Research in a Geopolitical Context (KNOWSEC) investigates the implications of knowledge security rationales, rules and regulations for science. It is a large-scale collaborative multidisciplinary project involving numerous Dutch universities as well as policy stakeholders.

We seek a postdoc working in philosophy of science or another science and technology related domain of philosophy to help identify and develop analytical perspectives, theories and methodological tools to examine current frameworks for knowledge security and their implications. In particular the tasks of the postdoc include:

1. 1. delineation of different conceptualizations of main concepts such as “knowledge”, “openness”, “security” and their normative foundations;
2. 2. exploration of implications and epistemological trade-offs of different conceptualizations for knowledge generation and scientific integrity and academic freedom;
3. 3. examination of the risks conceptual drift or concept creep towards broader areas science.

These investigations should inform and guide other researchers, particular PhD students, in the project in the design of their empirical studies. Of particular interest for this project could be older distinctions such as applied vs pure science and the idea of dual use research, the potential impacts of closed boundaries and blocked academic exchange on collaboration and scientific integrity, and the impacts of securitization of knowledge production on academic freedom.

As part of the KNOWSEC project you will collaborate with other project members, particularly on the task of Developing Analytical Perspectives on Concepts and their Interrelations. The task team covers geopolitics and comparative political science, international law and human rights, philosophy of science and science and technology studies. For this position you should have a PhDin philosophy of science or other related philosophical field; on a topic preferably dealing with knowledge of scientific norms and practices across different disciplines with some knowledge of the ethics of security practices or at least a willingness to work on related ethical and epistemological issues related to security.

Your profile

• A PhD in philosophy of science or science and technology related philosophical field (e.g. ethics of science and technology, philosophy of technology) with experience in epistemological and conceptual analysis;
• A demonstrated interest in knowledge security and/or scientific integrity issues;
• Experience collaborating across disciplinary boundaries and a willingness to work as part of a team. Previous project experience is a plus;
• An excellent publication track record in peer-reviewed international journals;
• Proficient in English (C2 level).

Our offer

• A partime position for 2 years, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU)
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from €3.706 to € 4.599
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis
• Free access to sports facilities on campus
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid)
• Excellent career support and courses for your professional and personal development

Information and application

Your application must include:

• A motivation letter (maximum two pages A4), explaining your interest in this position, relevant experiences, and motivations to apply for this position.
• A curriculum vitae, including an overview of completed courses and grades. Candidates may additionally include publications, research experience, and contact details of up to three referees.

For additional information about the position, please contact Dr. Miles MacLeod ([e-mail]).

Screening is part of the selection procedure.

About the department

Primary duties will be on the project, but you will also be housed as a staff member in the
Philosophy Section at the University of Twente. The Philosophy section itself has over 30
members (faculty, postdocs, PhD candidates). It is a thoroughly international
group, with English as the main language. It specializes in the philosophical
and ethical study of science and technology, and its impact on people,
society, and the environment Wijsb. We run
frequent colloquia and other collective activities which you will be most
welcome to take part in.

For this project in particular we collaborate with
members of the KiTeS section specializing in science studies and higher
education policy KiTeS).

About the organisation

At the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), we unite the worlds of people and technology to address today’s complex societal challenges. We are passionate about understanding human behaviour, fostering responsible innovation, and designing solutions that create societal value. Our educational programmes span disciplines such as Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences, and Health Sciences. Through our bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Professional Learning & Development programmes, and interdisciplinary research themes – including Emerging Technologies & Societal Transformations, Resilience, Smart Industry, Learning, and Health – we empower students and researchers to make a positive societal impact.

At BMS, we combine critical thinking with practical action. From advancing sustainable mobility with innovations like the world’s most efficient hydrogen car to shaping policies that promote digital inclusion, our work contributes to a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future. Whether it’s exploring how technology influences human behaviour or leveraging data and innovation to transform industries and communities, we ensure that technology serves people – and not the other way around.

As an employer, BMS offers a vibrant, inclusive, and entrepreneurial environment where you can thrive personally and professionally. Join us and become part of a forward-thinking community that equips you to shape the future – for yourself and society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact.

A PhD in philosophy of science or science and technology related philosophical field (e.g. ethics of science and technology, philosophy of technology) with experience in epistemological and conceptual analysis; A demonstrated interest in knowledge security and/or scientific integrity issues; Experience collaborating across disciplinary boundaries and a willingness to work as part of a team. Previous project experience is a plus; An excellent publication track record in peer-reviewed international journals; Proficient in English (C2 level).