Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Philosophy of Biology)

About the role

This full-time, 3-year fixed-term postdoctoral position is part of the ARC Discovery Project "Health, Biological Fitness and Environmental Diversity" at Macquarie University. The appointee works with Dr Bourrat (Macquarie University, Philosophy), Professor Raubenheimer (University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre), Emeritus Professor Griffiths (University of Sydney and Macquarie University, Philosophy) and collaborators to build a framework for understanding how the organism-environment interface shapes biological fitness, adaptation and health. The position sits in the Theory and Methods in Bioscience group within the Philosophy Discipline and is affiliated with the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre.

Key responsibilities

• Develop an integrative framework for different measures of biological fitness.
• Develop a framework for understanding the role of the environment in explanations of adaptation.
• Explore the implications of these frameworks for understanding health.
• Contribute to all aspects of the project in close collaboration with the research team, combining philosophy and biological sciences.

Required profile

• PhD in Philosophy (awarded) or another field relevant to the research project.
• Demonstrated expertise in Philosophy of Biology and/or Theoretical Biology, with a focus on evolutionary biology.
• Strong publication record in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals at the intersection of philosophy of biology and evolutionary biology.
• Proven ability to conduct highly interdisciplinary research, bridging philosophical theory with empirical findings from the biological sciences.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with evidence of working effectively in an interdisciplinary team and meeting project deadlines.

The position requires a criminal history/police check and an academic qualification check; international applicants are welcome. Applications close on 22 November.

What we offer

• Annual salary package from A$127,138 (Level B.1), plus 17% employer superannuation and annual leave loading.
• Flexible working options and training and professional development.
• Subsidised onsite parking, onsite childcare facilities and employee assistance program.
• Discounted health insurance, onsite vacation care and subsidised sport and aquatic centre membership.
• Onsite GP, imaging and physio clinics.