Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/x) in experimental semantics/philosophy of language & philosophy of mind

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Share page Share on facebook Share on LinkedIn Share via email Faculty of Philosophy and Educational Research : Department of Philosophy II Philosophy of Information and Communication In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) 01.01.2027, we are looking for a Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/x) in experimental semantics/philosophy of language & philosophy of mind The Collaborative Research Center “Episodic Memory” (CRC 1844) is an interdisciplinary consortium consisting of researchers (m/f/x) from philosophy, psychology, and (computational) neuroscience. The basis for our research is the Scenario Construction Framework which conceptualizes scenarios as mental simulations of past episodes, constructed from episodic memory traces and semantic information. As a postdoctoral researcher (m/f/x) in project A17 ("The language of scenarios"), you will study the similarities and differences between remembering and imagining, and between memory and imagination reports. You will prepare and carry out experimental studies on linguistic markers for memory/remembering, and analyze and describe the philosophical import of study results. Scope: full-time Duration: fixed-term, until 31.12.2030 Start: 01.01.2027 Apply by: 2026-10-19 Your tasks: • Use tools from experimental semantics/philosophy and the philosophy of language for the analysis of mental states (remembering, imagining) • Study the similarities and differences between the contents of memories and imaginings, and between memory and imagination reports • Apply findings to issues in contemporary philosophy of memory (esp. the debate about whether remembering is continuous with imagining) • (Co-)Author and publish articles on the project theme • Collaborate with the other members of the project team, and with researchers in other CRC projects (in part from other disciplines) • Present project results at international conferences and workshops • Contribute to the organization and scientific content of project-related events Your profile: • PhD in philosophy or linguistics • Expertise in experimental philosophy or experimental linguistics (or strong willingness to acquire this expertise) • Background in semantics or philosophy of language • Background (or at least interest) in philosophy of mind • Publication record in international journals and volumes • Willingness to dive into new research topics, and to engage with work in other disciplines Please submit the following documents as part of your application: • CV • Letter of motivation • A writing sample that reflects your approach/methods • Contact information of 2 references We offer: Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team, Extensive training and professional development opportunities, Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr, Support in combining family life and work (including childcare arrangements/holiday offers/mobile playroom) • Work in one of the leading, interdisciplinary research consortia on episodic memory • Frequent seminars, visitors, workshops, and other scientific events • Funding for participation in international conferences and workshops Further information: The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L. Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ (in German). The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum. If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation. ***The advertised position is conditional on a final positive funding decision by the DFG Senate in late November. *** To familiarize themselves with the kind of work we expect to do in the project, candidates are referred to Liefke’s “Just simulating? Linguistic support for continuism about remembering and imagining” [https://doi.org/10.1007/s13164-024-00751-y] and to Rosina and Liefke’s “Experientiality markers in memory reports: A semantics-pragmatics puzzle” [https://doi.org/10.3765/elm.3.5815]. RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees. German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/daf/mitarbeitende/index.html.en The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome. Contact persons for further information: Kristina Liefke Tel.: +49 234 32 23237 Christiane Dahl Tel.: +49 234 32 26739 Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed. We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-10-19. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 6192. 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