Postdoctoral Researcher - Understanding: Between Contents and Phenomena (SNSF Starting Grant), 4-year position — Universität Zürich

Full description

Department of Philosophy

Start of employment December 2026, or by arrangement, temporary

The Department of Philosophy at the University of Zurich is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the SNSF-funded project “Understanding: Between Contents and Phenomena” directed by Prof. Miloud Belkoniene.

Project description

The project “Understanding: Between Contents and Phenomena” draws on tools from the philosophy of language, the philosophy of science, epistemology and moral philosophy to investigate the relationships between linguistic, empirical and moral understanding in light of the capacities that are responsible for their achievement. One of the project's main objectives is to show that the manner in which representations, such as explanations, must be grasped to achieve an understanding of certain phenomena depends on the very nature of the phenomena that these representations depict. In particular, that the cognitive engagement with representations required to understand empirical phenomena differs significantly from that required to understand normative phenomena, such as moral phenomena. A full description of the project can be found at :www.philosophie.uzh.ch

Your responsibilities

• Carrying out and publishing research on some of the project's main hypotheses. Please note that any of the three subprojects of the project can, in principle, be the focus of the postdoctoral researcher to be hired.
• Taking an active part in the research group's research activities (reseach colloquium, workshops and conference organization, editorial projects)

Your profile

• PhD in Philosophy, preferably with a specialization in Epistemology, Philosophy of Language or Philoso-phy of Science (The successful candidate is expected to have obtained their PhD by the time they take up the position)
• Strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. Find out more: https://www.uzh.ch/de/explore/work.html.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
• Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

More Learning and Development

• Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
• Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

Food

• Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
• Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

Healthcare

• Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
• Free seasonal flu vaccinations
• Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

Discounts

• Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
• Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions

Conditions of Employment

• Policies of the UZH
• Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

International Services

• Support for people from outside Switzerland

Campuses

• Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
• Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More