Job description

2-3 Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (SKO 1352) are available at the Department of Philosophy, Classics, History of Art and Ideas, University of Oslo.

The positions are a part of the project ‘The Mathematization of Nature: The Origin of Mathematical Physics in Plato and Early Pythagoreanism’ (MatNat), funded by the European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant, 101199790). More information about the project can be found here.

We are looking for candidates whose research falls within one or more of the following areas: Plato´s cosmology, mathematics and metaphysics; Presocratic philosophy, particularly the philosophy of the early Pythagoreans and early Greek theories of mathematics and harmony; the Early or ‘Old’ Platonic Academy.

The candidate must develop a project description, which must be submitted as a part of the application. The description should show how the candidate’s project will contribute to one or more of MatNat’s objectives. Good English and working knowledge of Ancient Greek are a requirement.

More about the position

The project aims to show why and how Plato conceived of the natural world as mathematically structured. It will investigate how Plato adopted Pythagorean principles and harmonic theory to explain the basic properties of material bodies, including change and materiality. The project will also demonstrate the general scope of mathematical structure in the natural world in Plato’s Timaeus, and shed light on the metaphysical underpinnings of Plato’s mathematical physics. The evidence of Plato's Early Academy will be used to generate new readings of the Timaeus, and related Platonic dialogues. The research team will consist of three post-docs, two PhD students, the PI, and
associated international experts.

The appointed post-doc will work along the three axes of the project, the early Pythagoreans, the Timaeus, and Plato’s Early Academy. While each of the post-docs may specialize in one of the axes they will also collaborate with the whole team to achieve the collective goals of the project.

IFIKK’s strong research group in ancient philosophy (The Society for Ancient Philosophy) provides the research context for the project. The post-docs will be encouraged to participate in the group’s regular activities, such as reading groups, workshops, and lectures. The large-scale project ‘Modelling Human Happiness’ focusing on ancient eudaimonism, is also currently hosted by IFIKK.

The purpose of a postdoctoral position is for the employee to develop a research profile and competence that qualifies them to apply for an Associate Professor position. The position may also provide other competencies relevant to the postdoctoral fellow's future career. A career plan shall be developed for the Postdoctoral Fellow, specifying the competencies the Postdoctoral Fellow should acquire. UiO is responsible for following up on the career plan and ensuring that the Postdoctoral Fellow has access to career guidance throughout the postdoctoral term.

The position is available for a period of 3 years. There is a 10 % component of the position which is devoted to teaching and administrative duties.

Qualifications

Qualification requirements

PhD or equivalent academic qualifications with a specialization in ancient philosophy, particularly in one or more of the areas relevant for the project: Plato´s cosmology, mathematics and metaphysics; Presocratic philosophy, preferably the philosophy of the early Pythagoreans or early Greek theories of mathematics and harmony; the Early (or ‘Old’) Platonic Academy.
A project description in which the proposal must be closely connected to the Mathematization of
Nature project.
Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
Working knowledge of Ancient Greek.
Personal suitability and motivation for the position.
Appointment to the position is dependent on a successful doctoral defense.

In the evaluation of the applications, emphasis will be placed on

The research project’s scientific merit, project relevance and innovation; the project’s value for achieving the overall research aims of The Mathematization of Nature. the applicant’s estimated academic and personal ability to carry out the project within the allotted time frame; quality of cooperative skills, and ability to successfully join in academic collaboration.

We offer

Salary in position as Postdoctoral Fellow, position code 1352 in salary range NOK from 595 000 - to 690 000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund.
A professionally stimulating working environment.
Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes.
Exciting and meaningful tasks in an organization with an important societal mission, contributing to knowledge development, education, and enlightenment that promote sustainable, fair, and knowledge-based societal development.
Good welfare schemes.
Opportunity of up to 1.5 hours a week of exercise during working hours.
A workplace with good development and career opportunities.

Read more about the benefits of working in the public sector at Employer Portal.

Inclusive worklife and diversity at UiO

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

We hope that you will apply for the position.

More information about gender equality initiatives at UiO can be found here.

How to apply

Your application must include:

Application letter describing your qualifications and motivation for the position.
Curriculum Vitae with a list of education, positions, teaching experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activities.
Project proposal, including a detailed progress plan for the project (3 - 5 pages, maximum 14.000 characters). See Template for project proposal (hf.uio.no)
A complete list of publications.

Application with attachments must be submitted via our recruitment system Jobbnorge, click "Apply for the position".

When applying for the position, we ask you to retrieve your education results from Vitnemålsportalen.no. If your education results are not available through Vitnemålsportalen, we ask you to upload copies of your transcripts or grades. Please note that all documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language. Do not submit other certificates, letters of recommendation, articles, master theses and the like unless specifically requested. If further documentation is wanted for assessment, you will be asked to submit it later.

Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

General information

The best qualified candidates will invited for interviews.

Applicant lists can be published in accordance with Norwegian Freedom of Information Act § 25. When you apply for a position with us, your name will appear on the public applicant list. It is possible to request to be excluded from this list. You must justify why you want an exemption from publication and we will then decide whether we can grant your request. If we cannot, you will hear from us.

Please refer to Regulations for the Act on universities and colleges chapter 3 (Norwegian) and Guidelines concerning appointment to post doctoral and research posts at UiO.

The University of Oslo has a transfer agreement with all employees that is intended to secure the rights to all research results etc.

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