Postdoc in Theoretical Philosophy

Postdoc in Theoretical Philosophy (3 years)

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The University has around 46,000 students and 8,500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

The project What's Next for Frontier Particle Physics? is a five-year research project conducted at Lund University, Sweden, with Principal investigator (PI) Adam Koberinski. Particle physics is at a crossroads: on the one hand, the Standard Model of particle physics has withstood decades of stringent tests, and boasts some of the most precisely confirmed predictions in the history of science. On the other hand, the Standard Model seems to tell us that it shouldn't keep working as well as it does, and physicists expect that it is incomplete.

This means that something is wrong with our current understanding of the Standard Model, but what could it be? Conceptual issues like this are a prime place for philosophers of science to weigh in.

This project is a three-pronged philosophical investigation into contemporary particle physics, aimed at diagnosing the theoretical and experimental challenges facing the Standard Model. It involves (1) a close study of the foundations of theoretical particle physics, (2) a big picture study of how and why particle physics was so successful over the last several decades, and (3) an analysis of experiments in particle physics that search for new, currently unknown physics.

The project will involve embedded collaboration of philosophers directly within Lund University's particle physics division, allowing for a close exchange of ideas and direct philosophical engagement with physics. Particular attention will be given to experiments conducted at the new European Spallation Source, located in Lund.

1. Develop a new philosophical interpretation of the Standard Model that resolves internal contradictions in the current effective field theory understanding, identifying the epistemically and representationally central features of the theory. This will contribute to both philosophy and physics by clearing up some central confusions as to how and why effective field theories work as well as they do.

2. Analyze the methodology of theory construction in particle physics, using historical cases and contemporary practice to identify reliable markers of scientific progress and successful theory construction. This will provide a new tool for analyzing contemporary scientific disciplines, projecting assessments into the future.

3. Investigate the epistemology of experimental discovery strategies beyond traditional particle accelerators, evaluating novel approaches including precision measurements, small-scale terrestrial experiments, and cosmological observations. Specific attention will be given to the upcoming HIBEAM+NNBAR experiment at the European Spallation Source (ESS) located at Lund University.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will play a central role in the project from its outset. During the three-year fixed term, your contributions will be essential to ensuring the project moves swiftly and productively from the start. The position offers a substantial degree of intellectual independence within a collaborative research environment.

• Conduct independent, high-quality philosophical research aligned with one or more of the project's three research strands.
• Collaborate with the PI on co-authored journal articles and other project outputs. Regular group meetings and attendance at seminars is expected.
• Provide intellectual guidance and mentorship to potential doctoral students within the research team.
• Present research at national and international conferences and workshops.
• Contribute to the organisation of two project workshops bringing together philosophers of physics, historians of science, and physicists.
• Participate in public engagement activities, including popular science writing and public talks.
• The position is a career development post, and its purpose is to act as an initial step on a career path by providing the opportunity to deepen and broaden your research expertise. The position also includes some pedagogical training. Teaching, supervision and other teaching-related duties may also be included in the duties, but up to a maximum of one-fifth of the working time.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will have the opportunity to develop your independence as a researcher with the support of senior colleagues. The appointment is limited to 3 years and is full time in accordance with the Agreement regarding fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral fellow. International employees are supported in their move to Sweden. If you have a family, they will find new contacts and support through Lund's International Citizen Hub.

Lund University is a…