Postdoc Position in History and Philosophy of Logic, Semantics and Axiomatics, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Full-time, 4 years
Vacancy number 1.2009.00108

The Faculty of Philosophy, VU University Amsterdam, has a vacancy for a postdoctoral position in the research project “Tarski’s Revolution: A New History – Semantics and Axiomatics from Bolzano to Tarski
against the background of the Classical Model of Science” (TRANH). The project is funded by a Starting Grant of the European Research Council (ERC) and led by Dr. Arianna Betti (Principal Investigator).

More information on the project:
http://www.surfgroepen.nl/sites/tranh/web/index.html

Tasks
The postdoctoral researcher is expected to:

• carry out the subproject “Semantics and Axiomatics in Tarski against the background of the Classical Model of Science”
• take part in the activities of the research team, including (co-)organizing and participating in international meetings, joint editorial projects and grant applications;
• present papers at international meetings, submit articles to international peer-reviewed top scientific media in English.
• possibly, take on a small amount of teaching (=<10%);

Starting date: September 2009

Deadline for application: 1 June 2009

Requirements: The candidate must have a PhD in Philosophy, an outstanding record of international (journal) publications as measured against (wo)man-research years, have knowledge of the standard logical apparatus of set theory and model theory, demonstrated aptitude for combining theoretical and historical research, knowledge of German and have good ICT skills. The candidate must also be highly motivated, ready and able to work in a team and possess excellent social and communicative skills. Having worked previously on Tarski’s thought, affinity with other parts of the project, with axiomatics or with the Classical Model of Science, a history-of-ideas-approach, a background in mathematics and knowledge of French and Polish are advantages, but not pre-requisites. Candidates who are about to receive their PhD are also welcome to apply. As part of an equal opportunity scheme, women are particularly encouraged to apply for this position.

Salary: depending on qualifications and experience, minimum € 2.379,- maximum € 3.755,- gross per month based on a full-time employment.

Application: Written applications should include:

• a curriculum vitae; please separate clearly work in progress from actual results;
• names of two academic references;
• a copy of the PhD certificate or a letter from the thesis supervisor indicating the expected date of completion;
• translations of these documents in English where appropriate (a certified translation might be requested at a later stage in the procedure);
• a copy of the PhD thesis;
• a paper-length writing sample;
• a short letter of motivation accompanied by a separate research proposal containing a first attempt to specify in more detail how the candidate intends to carry out Project II (research topic, objectives and approach, max. 2000 words, not including bibliographic references).

Please mention the vacancy number in the e-mail header or at the top of your letter and on the envelope. Send your application before June 1, 2009 to the VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Philosophy, attn. Mrs. M.G.H.M. Dijcker, Director of Operations, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. It is also possible to apply by email to: secretaresse[ at ]ph.vu.nl by sending all documents in pdf-format.

Contact:
Dr. Arianna Betti, Faculty of Philosophy (phone: +31 20 59 86681, e-mail: ariannabetti[ at ]gmail.com).

Full description can be found here.