CFA: Postdoc and PhD position in Philosophy of Physics, Geneva
Open positions in philosophy of physics: 1 Postdoc and 1 PhD Fellowships – Geneva Symmetry Group, Department of Philosophy, University of Geneva
The Department of Philosophy, University of Geneva invites applications for two positions for Christian Wüthrich’s new SNSF‐funded project PHILOSOPHY OF COLLECTIVE PHYSICS:
– one 2-year Postdoc Fellowship (100%), and
– one 4-year PhD Fellowship.
The project will be housed at the Geneva Symmetry Group, which is part of the Department of Philosophy of the University of Geneva (https://genevasymmetrygroup.wordpress.com/).
The positions will start on 1 February 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
For a brief description of the project, please see https://genevasymmetrygroup.wordpress.com/2025/10/06/cfa-postdoc-and-phd-position-in-philosophy-of-physics-geneva/.
The postdoc position is open to scholars with a PhD. Candidates must have a track record in independent research in philosophy of physics and ideally (though not necessarily) a solid background in both physics and philosophy. In particular, relevant background in philosophy includes philosophy of physics, general philosophy of science, and metaphysics; in physics, it includes quantum theory, statistical physics, renormalization group methods and, if possible, quantum field theory and quantum gravity.
PhD candidates must have completed an MA degree in philosophy or in physics. Successful candidates are expected to have a strong background either in philosophy of science or in advanced physics and some preparation to do work in the other field, such as course work. Relevant background in philosophy is philosophy of physics, general philosophy of science, and metaphysics; in physics, it includes quantum theory, statistical physics, renormalization group methods and, if possible, quantum field theory and quantum gravity.
It should be noted that neither candidate is expected to contribute to *all* aspects of the project.
For both posts, candidates must have excellent communication skills in English. Proficiency in French is not necessary at the time of application (but PhD candidates will eventually have to pass a French exam before submitting their thesis).
Applications from members of groups that are currently underrepresented in academic philosophy are strongly encouraged.
The application dossier must contain the following:
(1) Candidates for the postdoc position:
‐ cover letter detailing your research interests and experience
– proposal of a length of about one page for research to be conducted in the context of ‘Philosophy of Collective Physics’ (description below)
‐ CV
‐ 1 writing sample
‐ 3 names and email addresses for potential academic references
(2) PhD candidates:
‐ cover letter explaining your interest in the topic, including a brief description of the direction of research you would like to undertake in the context of ‘Philosophy of Collective Physics’ (description below)
‐ CV
‐ Master thesis
‐ 2 names and e‐mail addresses for potential academic references
Please send applications by email as a single PDF file named simply [your last name].pdf showing your email address on top.
Please send applications and queries to Christian Wüthrich at christian.wuthrich@unige.ch
To ensure full consideration, please send applications by 1 November 2025.