PhD student positions in the history and philosophy of mathematics in Zürich

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The ETH chair for the History and Philosophy of Mathematical Sciences in the department for Humanities, Social and Political sciences offers up to 2 PhD positions in the history, philosophy or cultural studies of mathematical sciences under the supervision of Prof. Roy Wagner. The positions are for four years starting September 1st 2021 (or thereabout).

The professorship for the history and philosophy of mathematical sciences is involved in various research directions including: mathematical practice in several past and contemporary cultures (in particular, Kerala mathematics with emphasis on vernacular sources), semiological analyses of mathematical texts, relations between mathematics and other domains of knowledge (such as biology, software verification, economics), the public image of mathematics and the historical and contemporary formation of mathematical consensus. This call, however, is not restricted to the areas mentioned above, and is open to any historical and/or philosophical analyses of mathematical practices and knowledge (including mathematical aspects of other sciences), and/or to the study of the contemporary scientific, social or cultural roles of mathematics. The professorship favors approaches that consider mathematics as a practice, rather than as an abstract system of knowledge. The professorship is not a suitable environment for strictly analytic philosophy projects, but is open to projects that combine analytic philosophy with other approaches.

The professorship is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women and from people belonging to groups that are under-represented in the academic world.

The successful candidates will devote the bulk of their time to research for their PhD project. They will be engaged in academic exchanges within the professorship and department as well as with the larger research community through conferences and/or publications.

The successful candidates are required to reside in Switzerland and attend group activities regularly. The PhD position is paid according to standard . Support for conference travel and research expenses is also available.

Applicants must have a Master's degree in a field or fields relevant for their planned PhD project. They need to be academically mature enough to outline their research agenda and self-driven enough to manage their own research activities.

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