Post-Doctoral Associate

The Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science (MCPS) in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral fellowship for a period of two years starting at the beginning the 2027 academic year (late August 2027).

Job duties or responsibilities:

The aim of this position is to support researchers within five years of their doctorate in alignment with and contributing toward the mission of the Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science: to promote excellence in research and training in philosophy of science, related empirical studies of science, and science itself. This support is dedicated to a project in philosophy of science (broadly construed) that the applicant proposes.

The successful candidate will propose a focused project in philosophy of science to be undertaken and completed during the term of the position. The criteria for evaluation are the academic merit of the proposal and the academic strength of the candidate (demonstrated and potential research excellence and leadership), as well as the potential of the applicant to complement existing strengths of fellows and affiliates of the Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science.

The MCPS Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to reside in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, undertake research on a proposed project full-time in an office in the MCPS, and participate in the life of the MCPS by attending and contributing each academic term to at least one MCPS research group and participating in the joint weekly colloquium series with the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine Program, as well as special events (e.g., academic workshops).

Additionally, in consultation with the Director of the MCPS, MCPS Postdoctoral Fellows will: (1) give an academic talk in the MCPS colloquium series on their research in their first semester in residence; (2) teach one undergraduate course on a topic in philosophy of science either in the third or fourth semester of their residence; and (3) co-lead an MCPS interest group in the third or fourth semester of their residence. MCPS Postdoctoral Fellows are not expected to undertake service responsibility for MCPS or the University of Minnesota. MCPS Postdoctoral Fellowships may not be deferred.

Required qualifications:

Applicants will have been awarded a doctorate in philosophy or history and philosophy of science within five years of the starting date of the position. Additionally, applicants must have had a dissertation project on or substantial publication in some topic in philosophy of science. Scholars working in all areas of philosophy of science, inclusive of philosophical approaches to logic and mathematics, are eligible. This is understood broadly to include general philosophy of science, as well as issues in the history and practice of particular sciences. Applications are encouraged from scholars with newly awarded doctorates in philosophy or history and philosophy of science at early stages of their career who have not yet secured a permanent academic position. Submissions from members of traditionally underrepresented groups are particularly welcome.

Preferred qualifications:

Scholars working in all areas of philosophy of science, inclusive of philosophical approaches to logic and mathematics, are eligible. This is understood broadly to include general philosophy of science, as well as issues in the history and practice of particular sciences.

The Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science is located on the west bank of the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota. We offer a flexible working environment and encourage Center members, visitors and staff to engage in the vibrant intellectual community of faculty, postdocs, and graduate students created by the diverse interest groups, colloquia, and other activities the Center organizes.

About the College of Liberal Arts:

Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA

Working in CLA

The Benefits of Working at the U

Pay Range: $62,232.00 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Applicants are required to submit the following materials as part of the application process:

• A cover letter indicating that a postdoctoral fellowship is sought and the intended starting date.
• A description of the research project to be undertaken during residence (1,000 words maximum; ~2 pages single-spaced) with bibliography/references (1 page maximum, also single-spaced).
• A curriculum vitae.
• A sample of the applicant's written work (published or unpublished).
• Letters of reference from three scholars knowledgeable of the applicant and the applicant's work (sent separately to mcps@umn.edu; please use InterFolio where possible).
• Documentation affirming that the requisite doctorate was or will be officially awarded, or that the applicant will have satisfied all formal requirements for the doctorate, including an unqualified acceptance of the dissertation manuscript and the unqualified passing of the oral exam, within the previous five years of the intended starting date of the fellowship.

Application deadline: 4 December 2026

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.