Position Summary
The Department of Philosophy at Michigan State University is seeking a full-time 2-year philosophy and history of biology postdoctoral research associate. The position is funded by the project “Epistemic and Ethical Functions of Categories in the Agricultural Sciences” National Science Foundation, led by Catherine Kendig (PI) and Paul B. Thompson (co-PI). The postdoctoral research associate will join the core research team conducting collaborative research in philosophy and history of agriculture analyzing how category development in the agricultural sciences shapes explanatory goals and experimental methods. The postdoc will also assist Kendig and Thompson in organizing workshop activities and other administrative duties. A short description of the project can be found here: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2240749&HistoricalAwards=false
The philosophy and history of biology postdoctoral research associate will have expertise in the area(s) of philosophy and/or history of biology and its applications (inclusively understood). Candidates with research specialization in the epistemology of agricultural sciences; biological metaphysics; metaphysics and epistemology of classification; social ontology; Indigenous philosophy of science; philosophy of anthropology are strongly encouraged to apply.
The successful candidate will be one of the central researchers for “Epistemic and Ethical Functions of Categories in the Agricultural Sciences”. They will work alongside the PI (Kendig), co-PI (Thompson), and an interdisciplinary team of researchers and participate in the development of several collaborative research projects. The local research team is comprised of MSU-based agronomists, agricultural extension specialists, and community partner in urban farming and food system racial equity. Relying on practice-oriented approaches to philosophy of science, they will focus on normatively defined philosophical problems focusing on soils and cropping systems, ecology, field experimentation of soil health and conservation tillage and host-pathogen interactions. The local research group will be available on an ongoing basis to offer critique and advice as case studies develop. In addition to research, the successful candidate will also help organize two “Categories in the Agricultural Sciences” expert workshops, the “Food, Fuel & Fiber Forum” international virtual workshops in coordination with Kendig and Thompson. Administrative duties will also include managing social media for the project. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to teach in the Department of Philosophy in an area of their AOS: (e.g., PHL480 Philosophy of Science, PHL380 Nature of Science, PHL101 Introduction to Philosophy). The candidate will receive mentorship and professional development training from the PI and coPI.
The research environment
Michigan State University was established in 1855, and by 1862, it stood as the premier land-grant university in the United States. MSU is a leading research university. The campus comprises 5,200 acres (21km2) that includes extensive research institutes, test farms, the W. J. Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum, and the MSU herbarium which holds approximately 522,800 specimens, with 324,200 specimens of vascular plants, 126,400 lichenized fungi, 41,800 non-lichenized fungi, 26,100 bryophytes, 4,300 algae, with over 2,000 type specimens. Agroecological Research.
MSU is a robust center for interdisciplinary philosophy of science in practice. The Department of Philosophy is known for its engaged approach to the discipline. Please see the Department website: https://philosophy.msu.edu for more information. Philosophers at MSU work within a vibrant community of more than sixty science studies scholars, more than twenty of whom are employed by MSU’s Lyman Briggs College. The W.K. Kellogg Biological Station studies the ecology of intensive field crop ecosystems and its environmental consequences as part of a National Network of LTER Sites established by the National Science Foundation and is also part of the Long-Term Agroecosystem Research LTAR Network established by the USDA to develop national strategies for the sustainable intensification of agricultural production.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Philosophy
Minimum Requirements
The successful applicant will have a PhD in Philosophy or HPS or equivalent by a degree-granting institution at the time of hire. Area of specialization (AOS) in philosophy and history of biology and its applications (inclusively understood); epistemology of agricultural sciences; biological metaphysics; metaphysics and epistemology of classification; social ontology; Indigenous philosophy of science; or philosophy of anthropology is required.
Desired Qualifications
Research experience in philosophy or history of the agricultural sciences, botany, or ecology is desirable but not required.
Required Application Materials
1. A letter expressing interest in the position and describing qualifications and experience
2. A current curriculum vitae
3. A writing sample taken from current or past research,
4. A 1-page summary of the candidate’s philosophy of diversity, equity, and inclusion as it pertains their intellectual leadership in the areas of teaching/curriculum development, research/creative activities, service, and/or outreach. The statement should also include an explanation of related past or planned activities/endeavors as well as how the candidate will advance our goals of inclusive excellence. For more about MSU’s DEI efforts, see https://inclusion.msu.edu/. For more information about writing diversity statements, see https://cal.msu.edu/documents/cal-guidelines-for-the-writing-of-diversity-statements/
5. The names and email addresses of three potential referees [Please note: three letters of reference will be requested at the time candidates advance to the second round of interviews and will be asked only of those candidates].
Special Instructions
Review of applications will begin February 7, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted electronically to the Michigan State University Human Resources website http://careers.msu.edu . Posting number 921894.
For more information, contact Catherine Kendig, Chair of the Search Committee at kendig@msu.edu.
Review of Applications Begins On
02/07/2024
Website
philosophy.msu.edu
Department Statement
The College of Arts & Letters recognizes that only an academic and organizational culture, which actively seeks out and strengthens diverse voices and perspectives among its members results in true excellence. The College of Arts & Letters is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that intellectual leadership is achieved through open access and pro-active inclusion.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
