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EURAXESS

PhD position (full-time, 4 years)

The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers
9 Feb 2024

Job Information

Organisation/Company
Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)
Research Field
Cultural studies
Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country
Netherlands
Application Deadline
Type of Contract
Permanent
Job Status
Not Applicable
Hours Per Week
40.0
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Not funded by an EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No

Offer Description

The Collective Epistemology of Misinformation

The problem of misinformation isn’t new. But the development of new media technologies including social media, algorithmic filtering of information, and online discussion forums, seems to have given rise to a uniquely challenging phenomenon, characterised by extreme polarisation, and mistrust in experts and institutions. By far, the predominant way in which scholars have addressed the problem of misinformation has been with a focus on individuals and their beliefs. Instead, this project aims to shed new light on the epistemic crisis we are experiencing by focusing on groups and their beliefs, with particular attention to issues of identity and group membership and how they interact with the demands of epistemic rationality. The results of this analysis will enrich our understanding of misinformation, as well as provide new avenues for combating misinformation aimed at collectives, rather than individuals. This project investigates the collective epistemology of misinformation with the methods of contemporary analytic epistemology, grounded in and informed by empirical results from cognate fields, including sociology, psychology, economics, and political science.

Job description
The candidate's primary responsibility will be to conduct research and write a PhD thesis. The PhD position is located within the Erasmus School of Philosophy (ESPhil) and part of the Erasmus Institute for Philosophy and Economics (EIPE). The candidate will be supervised by Dr. M. Giulia Napolitano and Dr. Conrad Heilmann.

Requirements

Specific Requirements

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate with the following background and skills:

  • A background in analytic philosophy (MA) with familiarity and an interest in at least one of the following areas: (social) epistemology, social and political philosophy, social ontology
  • Excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken
  • Willingness to move to the Netherlands and integrate oneself in the academic environment at ESPhil and EUR
  • Good writing, oral, and organisational skills
  • Interest in engaging with research in other fields, including sociology, psychology, economics

Additional Information

Benefits

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-JUN-2024 and you will be based at Erasmus School of Philosophy (ESPhil). This position is for 0.8 fte - 1 fte FTE. The salary ranges from a minimum of € 2.770 to a maximum of € 3.539 gross per month Scale PhD on a fulltime basis (38 hours), in accordance with the CAO-NU. The position begins with a temporary employment contract for 18 months in which the candidate’s suitability is evaluated. If the candidate is suitable, then an additional contract of 30 months follows, leading to a total appointment of 4 years.

Everything else we offer you, you can find below!

Selection process

To apply, please submit your application via the application portal no later than March 25th, 2024. The application package should include the following files in PDF format:

  • CV (without picture), including your e-mail and the e-mail addresses of two academic references.
  • A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) including a brief sketch of the envisioned PhD project or ideas related to the PhD project.
  • An anonymized writing sample in English; an academic paper, coursework essay or thesis chapter (upload this file under the section 'Research Proposal').

Applicants will be notified by early April whether they are selected for the interviews. Interviews will be held in mid-April. For additional information please don’t hesitate to contact Giulia Napolitano napolitano@esphil.eur.nl.

We look forward to receiving your application.

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

Additional comments

Diversity
We particularly encourage members of underrepresented groups to apply: We genuinely value diversity and believe that a diversity of talents contributes to our vision and strategy to excel as a university on research and education. ESPhil is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from candidates of all genders, ethnicities, and nationalities. Given the current composition of the ESPhil academic staff and priorities relating to staff diversity, the School especially encourages candidates from an ethnic minority, candidates with an international background, and female candidates to apply.

Website for additional job details

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Country
Netherlands
City
Rotterdam
Postal Code
3062PA
Street
Burgemeester Oudlaan 50
Geofield

Contact

City
Rotterdam
Website
Street
Burgemeester Oudlaan 50
Postal Code
3062 PA