The
professorship for history and philosophy of mathematical sciences, led by Prof. Roy Wagner, is a place for reflecting on all aspects of mathematical knowledge from the point of view of the humanities. Our team studies various historical and contemporary mathematical cultures from a multitude of methodological approaches.
Project background We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to conduct independent research on the development, practice, or social and cultural roles of mathematics (including mathematical aspects of other sciences) from the points of view of history, philosophy or neighbouring humanities disciplines (such as STS, cultural studies, social anthropology). The starting date is around September 2026. The position is for two years with the possibility of extension.
Job description - You will be in charge of your own research
- You will take part in the professorship's academic and social activities
- You will teach one course of your choice per semester (2 weekly hours) in the MAGPW or SiP programs
- You will have access to teaching assistants, research and travel funding, an international network of collaborators, and the wide variety of ETH career development resources
- The working language is English
Profile - You are required to have a doctoral degree in a field related to your research project before the beginning of your employment
- You must be able to initiate your research project and develop it independently
- You must be willing to exchange with your fellow team members, support them, and learn from them
- Non-traditional research topics, questions and methods are encouraged
- We also encourage projects on non-European mathematics, commercial or practical mathematics, cross-cultural mathematical exchange, and philosophical projects that consider mathematics as a practice, rather than as an abstract ideal
- The chair is not a good environment for strict analytic philosophy projects, but is open to projects that integrate analytic philosophy methodologies
We offer - The position is full time (41 hours per week) by default, but can be reduced for care-work, health, or wellbeing
- Flexible working conditions (flexible working hours, possibility for part-time work, home office)
- The pay-scale is available here
- Training opportunities and perspectives for career development
- Support programmes (e.g. mentoring) and networks
- Commitment to diversity
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our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our
Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a
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