Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Philosophy of Biology

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: Australia,
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 31 Oct 2021

Opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to help investigate philosophical issues arising in relation to the research of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology.

  • Salary Package: $76,173 - $102,570 (Level A) p.a. plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading
  • Appointment Type: Full-time, Fixed term (3 years)
  • Macquarie University (North Ryde) location

The Role

The Department of Philosophy, Macquarie University is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work with Professor Wendy Rogers and Dr Pierrick Bourrat on a project investigating philosophical issues raised by synthetic biology. The objective of this project is to explore the links between the notions of biological individuality through the lens of synthetic biology. In addition, there will be scope for the successful applicant to develop their own research over the course of the three year position.

This project is part of funding to Prof. Wendy Rogers by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology (CoESB). Prof. Roger's ongoing bioethics research within the Macquarie University Department of Philosophy seeks to identify theoretical and practical problems arising from biological and life sciences, undertake conceptual analysis of relevant philosophical and ethical issues and develop responses that advance knowledge and contribute to practice. Prof. Rogers has been named by Nature as one of the 'ten people that mattered in science in 2019'. For more about her work, see https://researchers.mq.edu.au/en/persons/wendy-rogers Dr Pierrick Bourrat's research focuses on the core concepts used in evolutionary theory such as 'fitness', 'heritability', 'individuality' and how these concepts interplay at different levels of organisation. For more about his work, see https://researchers.mq.edu.au/en/persons/pierrick-bourrat

About You

You will have completed a PhD, or equivalent research experience, in the philosophy of biology. You will be experienced in conceptual analysis and the development of rigorous arguments. People with a relevant background not in philosophy will also be considered.

You will have experience as an Early Career Researcher who is able to work both in a team and independently, and engage with stakeholders ranging from PhD candidates to senior academics and practitioners in a multi-disciplinary context.

If you are an excellent communicator with a proactive nature, flexible, able to work in teams and have excellent interpersonal, organisational and time management skills, then this is a role you will thrive in and a department you will enjoy working with.

About Us

The Department of Philosophy at Macquarie University is one of Australasia's best philosophy departments, ranked 26th in the world and with a 5 star ERA ranking. It is home to the Macquarie University Research Centre for Agency, Values and Ethics (CAVE), which is a provides a platform for interaction and collaboration between researchers from a range of disciplines including philosophy, law, medicine, applied ethics and bioethics. Within CAVE, Prof Rogers leads the Applied ethics, bioethics and clinical ethics cluster. CAVE supports an active program of conferences and workshops a postdoctoral program, and a schedule of seminars and reading groups, creating a vibrant community of scholars.

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To Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online by submitting your cv and a separate cover letter that demonstrates how you meet each of the following selection criteria:

Essential:

  • A PhD in philosophy of science with a focus on biology or equivalent
  • Demonstrated ability to undertake theoretical or conceptual research about the philosophical issues raised by synthetic biology
  • Demonstrated success in publishing research in high-impact international journals. Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills
  • High-level organisational skills translated into the ability to prioritise workload, meet deadlines and to prepare reports detailing progression milestones

Desirable:

  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams and work independently without close supervision
  • Demonstrated contribution to the preparation of research grant applications
  • Familiarity with the scientific and technical concepts and methods of synthetic biology
  • Experience in delivering outcomes for large, complex, externally-funded projects

Specific Role Enquiries: Professor Wendy Rogers, Professor in Clinical Ethics at [email protected]

General Enquiries: Grace Deng, HR Assistant at [email protected]

Applications Close: Sunday 31 October 2021 at 11:55 PM AEST

At Macquarie University, we are committed to providing a working environment where each individual is valued, respected and supported to progress. Our priority is to ensure culture, policies and processes are truly inclusive and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity, gender, culture, disability, LGBTIQA+ identities, family and caring responsibilities, age, or religion. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria and shares Macquarie University's values of scholarship, empowerment and integrity to apply.

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