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Faculty of Philosophy and Educational Research :
Institute for Philosophy II - Chair of Social Epistemology and Reasoning in Science
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (25,8895 hours/week = 65%;) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for a
PhD student (m/f/x) in a project on Qualitative Grading in Science-Rationality, Aggregation, and Applications. (3 Years)
The chair deals with social epistemology and philosophy of science.
Job Summary: We are seeking a PhD candidate (m/f/x) to conduct research on the dynamics of qualitative judgment in science (e.g., how scientists grade hypotheses as "promising" or "likely"). As part of the French-German QUALIGRASCI consortium, you will develop and analyze agent-based models (ABMs) to investigate how scientific communities aggregate these judgments under challenging conditions. The candidate (m/f/x) will be supervised by Prof. Dunja Šešelja (Ruhr-University Bochum) and Prof. Thomas Boyer-Kassem (University of Poitiers): Please find information on the research project here: https://philo.labo.univ-poitiers.fr/qualitative-grading-in-science/.
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 Years
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2026-02-23
Your tasks:
- Develop Computational Models: Design and implement agent-based models of scientific inquiry to simulate how scientists assign and aggregate qualitative grades to hypotheses.
- Simulate Complex Scenarios: Use these models to study the impact of deliberative procedures, peer disagreement, and "fast science" (time-pressured decision-making) on collective epistemic performance.
- Compare Aggregation Methods: Run simulations to evaluate the truth-tracking ability of different aggregation procedures (e.g., Majority Judgment vs. Plurality Voting) in scientific controversies.
- Collaboration: Work closely with the international team.
Your profile:
- M.A. degree in philosophy
- Strong background in social epistemology of science and formal methods (ideally, agent-based modeling)
- Programming skills relevant to agent-based modeling (e.g., Python, NetLogo, or similar)
Please submit the following documents (see 'online application' button at the bottom of the page):
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copies of degree certificates and transcripts (Master and Bachelor or equivalent).
- Cover letter (1-2 pages) explaining your motivation for the position and your interest in the project.
- Names and contact details of two academics who can provide letters of reference (letters do not need to be submitted at this point).
- A writing sample (e.g., a seminar paper, your MA thesis, or a chapter from your MA thesis).
We offer:
Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr, Flexible working hours with consideration for study times, Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Prof. Dr. Dunja Šešelja Tel.: +49 234 32 26739
Christiane Dahl (Secretary) Tel.: +49 234 32 26739
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-02-23. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5312.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
SOCIAL MEDIA