Post-Doctoral Associate

About the Role
The Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota invites applications for a three-year full-time postdoctoral position in conjunction with the "Consortium for Advancing a Science of Purpose" (CASP) project sponsored in part by the John Templeton Foundation (www.biologicalpurpose.org/). Note: this is one of two postdoctoral positions associated with the project.

CASP extends and develops innovative research structures and activities in support of interdisciplinary work in the life sciences. It specifically engages a broad community of scholars, bringing together philosophers, theoreticians, and experimentalists to advance how we investigate and understand topics related to the complex theme of teleology (i.e., the study of purposiveness), which includes a variety of contested concepts (e.g., agency, directionality, function, goal-directedness) related to phenomena across spatial and temporal scales.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in philosophy or a related field with a background in the biological sciences, demonstrated interest in questions surrounding the purposiveness of living systems and teleological reasoning, and evidence or promise of scholarly achievement. Prior experience with multi-institutional grant projects and/or interdisciplinary research teams is preferred.

The successful candidate will: (a) carry out an original philosophical research program under the supervision of Alan Love at the University of Minnesota focusing on the intellectual themes of CASP, and (b) work in close collaboration with the central administrative team at the University of Minnesota in conceptualizing and implementing novel research facilitation activities.

The Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to reside in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, undertake research on topics related to the intellectual themes of CASP full-time in an office on the West Bank of the Twin Cities campus, and collaboratively work with Alan Love and the central administrative team on the CASP project more broadly.

Postdoctoral Fellows are not expected to undertake service responsibility while in the role.

Required Qualifications
Applicants will have been awarded a doctorate in philosophy or history and philosophy of science within six years of the starting date of the position.

Additionally, applicants must have evidence of a research interest in one or more aspects of the complex theme of teleology in biology, such as in one's dissertation project or with a substantial publication on the topic.

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
Candidates that have prior experience with multi-institutional grant projects and/or interdisciplinary research teams should describe this in their cover letter.

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.

Pay Range: $62, 232; 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

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility. hbps://policy.umn.edu/hr/postdocappoint-appa

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

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

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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Please submit:

• Cover Letter
• CV
• Letters of recommendation from three academic/professional references
• Writing sample (preferably peer-reviewed work, forthcoming or already published)

Application deadline: May 29th, 2026

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).