Postdoctoral Researcher - SNSF-funded project “The Varieties of Inquiry”, 20-month position

Department of Philosophy

Postdoctoral Researcher - SNSF-funded project “The Varieties of Inquiry”, 20-month position 70 %

Start of employment 1 January 2027, or by arrangement, temporary

The Department of Philosophy at the University of Zurich is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the SNSF-funded project “The Varieties of Inquiry” directed by Prof. Dr. Anne Meylan and PD. Dr. Benoit Gaultier.

Project description

The aim of the project “The Varieties of Inquiry” is to contribute to elucidating the nature, aims and norms of inquiry through the examination of its different varieties. Since inquiring into a question can both designate an attitude and an activity, one of the main aims of the project will be to understand how these two dimensions of inquiry articulate with each other. The subproject A “The Variety of Interrogative Attitudes” will be devoted to elucidating the nature, aims and norms of our various interrogative attitudes (wondering, being curious, suspending judgement, etc.). The subproject B “The Variety of Inquisitive Undertakings” will be devoted to elucidating the nature, aims and norms of the practical activity of inquiring. This subproject will focus on two different forms of inquisitive undertakings: legal inquiry (Subpart B1) and scientific inquiry (Subpart B2).

Your responsibilities

• Carrying out and publishing research on the topics of the project, in particular those of its subpart B2.
• 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 in epistemology. The successful candidate is expected to have defended their PhD by the time they take up the position.
• Willingness to work on the nature, aims and norms of inquiry in general, and that of scientific inquiry in particular, in the context of the SNF-research project "The Varieties of Inquiry".
• Strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Information on your application

Candidates are requested to submit electronically the following application material:

• cover letter (1 page);
• CV;
• anonymized short research proposal (2 to 3 pages);
• anonymized sample of written work (30 pages maximum). Please send (1), (2), (3) and (4) in one single PDF file, entitled “Application YOURNAME”, to benoit.gaultier@philos.uzh.ch by 20 October 2026.

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

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Learning and Development

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

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Food

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

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Healthcare

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

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Discounts

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

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Conditions of Employment

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

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International Services

• Support for people from outside Switzerland

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Campuses

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

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Location

Department of Philosophy

Zürichbergstrasse 43, 8044 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Questions about the job

Benoit Gaultier

Oberassistent

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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 → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html

Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.

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