Full time Fixed term for up to 37 months
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 01 December 2024. Interviews are expected to take place on week commencing Monday 06 January 2025.
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances and is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2119.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
The PostThe Faculty of Arts and Humanities, in cooperation with the Faculty of Natural Sciences is offering a 37-month full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Philosophy and Psychology. The Fellow will work in collaboration with Dr. Giacomo Melis (Philosophy, Principal Investigator), Dr. Eva Rafetseder (Developmental Psychology, Co-Investigator) and Dr. Zsófia Virányi (Animal Cognition, Co-Investigator) of the Messerli Research Institute (University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna) on a interdisciplinary research project entitled ‘Agency, Rationality and Epistemic Defeat' funded by the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship scheme.
The Research Fellow will be an early-career cognitive psychologist/ethologist at postdoctoral level with a keen interest in foundational questions about the mind and rationality, and of demonstrated high research achievement and outstanding research potential. They will be experienced in independent empirical behavioural research, will have developed research interests in animal cognition or developmental psychology, and will be motivated to engage in an interdisciplinary project with philosophical guidance. The post is offered as a full-time appointment for 37 months to start on 03 February 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Summary and Aims of the Project
The project is articulated in a broadly philosophical and broadly empirical part, which progress in parallel and are driven by the interactive work of the core team. The more philosophical part will develop a theory of rational belief-revision that will apply to the various agents discussed in philosophy and cognitive science, and which will focus on the notion of epistemic defeat. The more empirical part will use such theory to design and run novel comparative cognitive tests on pre-verbal children, pigs, and dogs aimed at assessing whether they may be capable of some form of reflective thinking. Please visit www. ared.stir.ac.uk for more details.
Description of DutiesThe main responsibility of the post-holder will be to carry out comparative and developmental studies of belief-revision. It is expected that, in the first six months of employment, the post-holder will spend a substantial amount to time in familiarizing with the work already done during the first part of the project, and to contribute to some ongoing papers. They will then be expected to carry out extensive pilot work with animals (dogs and pigs) and young children (age 2 to 5 years), using novel experimental tasks, thus contributing to the development of the data collection protocols for the project as a whole. The appointee will continue to lead comparative and developmental research throughout the duration of the project, through completing their own data collection and supervising students. The fellow will play a key role in enabling the execution of the novel experimental paradigm to be executed with the relevant species, and will work closely with the PI to ensure the harmonic integration of the philosophical framework and the experiments.
The following activities will be expected of the post-holder:
It merits emphasis that the funding comes with a commitment on the part of all members of the team to an extensive and demanding programme of interdisciplinary research and writing, of specialised workshops, and of public engagement activities. A willingness and enthusiasm to work within a team ethos to ensure success on all three fronts is essential.
Additional Information
In addition to a covering letter and CV, you should upload as part of your application:
Further details of all aspects of the planned project and posts can be obtained from:
Qualifications
Research
Skills, Attitude and Behaviour
The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.
Managing self and personal skills Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
Achieving Results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, our students have the desire to explore, to innovate and to create. One of the largest Faculties in the University, our subject areas are renowned for international and world leading research. Our work is well represented in national and international journals, at academic conferences around the world and in the media.
We offer students a broad range of subjects to study in an exciting, research led and highly interdisciplinary environment. Our teaching is regarded as innovative and the levels of student satisfaction are consistently high. A vibrant intellectual community is constantly enriched and renewed by the contribution of visiting scholars and practitioners.
The University's Strategic Plan Addendum 2021-23 sets out our priorities to enhance the research profile by 100 per cent, consolidate the unregulated student recruitment, to increase international partnership activity, and ensure internationalisation is at the heart of everything we do.
The Faculty encompasses four multidisciplinary divisions: Communications, Media and Culture; History and Politics; Literature and Languages, and Law and Philosophy.
Faculty of Natural Sciences
The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland's International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.
The UniversityThe University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.
More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University's sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.
The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).
The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.
w ww.stir.ac.uk @stiruni
Job number
FAC01978Contract Type
Fixed Term ContractPosting End Date
01-Dec-2024Location:
Stirling CampusGrade
Grade7 £37,099-£44,263 p.a.Faculty/Service
Faculty of Arts and Humanities Post DetailsFull time Fixed term for up to 37 months
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 01 December 2024. Interviews are expected to take place on week commencing Monday 06 January 2025.
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances and is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2119.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
The PostThe Faculty of Arts and Humanities, in cooperation with the Faculty of Natural Sciences is offering a 37-month full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Philosophy and Psychology. The Fellow will work in collaboration with Dr. Giacomo Melis (Philosophy, Principal Investigator), Dr. Eva Rafetseder (Developmental Psychology, Co-Investigator) and Dr. Zsófia Virányi (Animal Cognition, Co-Investigator) of the Messerli Research Institute (University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna) on a interdisciplinary research project entitled ‘Agency, Rationality and Epistemic Defeat' funded by the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship scheme.
The Research Fellow will be an early-career cognitive psychologist/ethologist at postdoctoral level with a keen interest in foundational questions about the mind and rationality, and of demonstrated high research achievement and outstanding research potential. They will be experienced in independent empirical behavioural research, will have developed research interests in animal cognition or developmental psychology, and will be motivated to engage in an interdisciplinary project with philosophical guidance. The post is offered as a full-time appointment for 37 months to start on 03 February 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Summary and Aims of the Project
The project is articulated in a broadly philosophical and broadly empirical part, which progress in parallel and are driven by the interactive work of the core team. The more philosophical part will develop a theory of rational belief-revision that will apply to the various agents discussed in philosophy and cognitive science, and which will focus on the notion of epistemic defeat. The more empirical part will use such theory to design and run novel comparative cognitive tests on pre-verbal children, pigs, and dogs aimed at assessing whether they may be capable of some form of reflective thinking. Please visit www. ared.stir.ac.uk for more details.
Description of DutiesThe main responsibility of the post-holder will be to carry out comparative and developmental studies of belief-revision. It is expected that, in the first six months of employment, the post-holder will spend a substantial amount to time in familiarizing with the work already done during the first part of the project, and to contribute to some ongoing papers. They will then be expected to carry out extensive pilot work with animals (dogs and pigs) and young children (age 2 to 5 years), using novel experimental tasks, thus contributing to the development of the data collection protocols for the project as a whole. The appointee will continue to lead comparative and developmental research throughout the duration of the project, through completing their own data collection and supervising students. The fellow will play a key role in enabling the execution of the novel experimental paradigm to be executed with the relevant species, and will work closely with the PI to ensure the harmonic integration of the philosophical framework and the experiments.
The following activities will be expected of the post-holder:
It merits emphasis that the funding comes with a commitment on the part of all members of the team to an extensive and demanding programme of interdisciplinary research and writing, of specialised workshops, and of public engagement activities. A willingness and enthusiasm to work within a team ethos to ensure success on all three fronts is essential.
Additional Information
In addition to a covering letter and CV, you should upload as part of your application:
Further details of all aspects of the planned project and posts can be obtained from:
Qualifications
Research
Skills, Attitude and Behaviour
The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.
Managing self and personal skills Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
Achieving Results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, our students have the desire to explore, to innovate and to create. One of the largest Faculties in the University, our subject areas are renowned for international and world leading research. Our work is well represented in national and international journals, at academic conferences around the world and in the media.
We offer students a broad range of subjects to study in an exciting, research led and highly interdisciplinary environment. Our teaching is regarded as innovative and the levels of student satisfaction are consistently high. A vibrant intellectual community is constantly enriched and renewed by the contribution of visiting scholars and practitioners.
The University's Strategic Plan Addendum 2021-23 sets out our priorities to enhance the research profile by 100 per cent, consolidate the unregulated student recruitment, to increase international partnership activity, and ensure internationalisation is at the heart of everything we do.
The Faculty encompasses four multidisciplinary divisions: Communications, Media and Culture; History and Politics; Literature and Languages, and Law and Philosophy.
Faculty of Natural Sciences
The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland's International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.
The UniversityThe University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.
More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University's sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.
The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).
The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.
w ww.stir.ac.uk @stiruni