Postdoctoral researcher

Erasmus School of Philosophy (ESPhil) seeks to appoint a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in the area of philosophy of technology and/or Science and Technology Studies and with a research interest in digital twins. The researcher will carry out research in the context of the European project “Transformative Horizons for Resilient Innovation in Virtualized Environments” on the social and ethical aspects of digital twins, led by prof.

dr. Vincent Blok and dr. Rebecca Moody. To this end, the candidate engages in an ELSA (Ethical, Legal, Social Aspects) social laboratory setting to conduct philosophical and interdisciplinary research on the philosophical, ethical and social aspects of digital twins that combines academic rigor with societal relevance and contributes to its responsible and inclusive re-design. To achieve this ambition, we envision a candidate who is able to work collaboratively, communicate across disciplines, and contribute to a respectful, supportive, and inclusive team culture.

The successful candidate will be supposed to:

• Conduct and publish original research within the scope of the project, with an emphasis on both academic quality and broader societal relevance
• Contribute to building and sustaining international networks with academic and societal partners, including collaborative and interdisciplinary engagement
• Co-organise conferences, workshops, and other events related to the research project
• Share and communicate research findings with diverse audiences, including at international and national academic events as well as through public or non-academic channels where appropriate
• Contribute to teaching and supervision (e.g. thesis supervision), with attention to inclusive, student-centered practices

We are looking for a candidate who brings:

• A PhD in philosophy, Science and Technology Studies, or a related field, or equivalent research experience, with a focus on philosophy of technology and/or ethics of technology
• Engagement with, or interest in, philosophical perspectives on philosophy and ethics of technology, empirical informed philosophy, responsible innovation and/or ELSA research.
• Experience with qualitative research methods or experience with public engagement processes is preferred
• To this end, the ability to communicate in the Dutch language is preferred

We offer you an internationally oriented and varied job in an enthusiastic team, with excellent working conditions in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU).

The start date of this position is 01-FEB-2027 and you will be based at Campus Woudestein in Erasmus School of Philosophy (ESPhil). This position is for 0.8 fte. The salary is dependent on your experience and knowledge and ranges from a minimum of € 4.925 to a maximum of € 6.682 gross per month Scale 11 on a fulltime basis (38 hours), in accordance with the CAO-NU.

The contract is offered for a period of 1 year and can be converted into an employment contract for three years in total if suitability is proven, if continued in the same position and if (financial and/or organizational) circumstances remain the same.

Everything else we offer you; you can find below!

• Everything you need for a good work-life balance : the option to work from home in consultation with your manager, 41 days of paid leave with a 40 hour contract, 8% holiday pay and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and a significant discount on a subscription for our on-campus sports centre Opens external !
• Moving to the Netherlands for your job with EUR? Then you may be eligible for the Expat-ruling if you meet the requirements of the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax agency), and with our Dual Career Programme we will also help your partner find the right job for them.

The Social and Ethical Aspects of Digital Twins project is a 3-year research project funded by the European Commission, and led by prof. Dr. Vincent Blok and dr. Rebecca Moody.

The research project is hosted by the Erasmus School of Philosophy and Erasmus University Rotterdam.

Persons of all gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, religions, ethnicities, ages, neurodiversities, functional impairments, citizen ships, or any other aspect are welcome to apply and join the EUR community.

You can find more information about the EUR on our website (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). .