Science and Education, The Field Museum of Natural History
Chicago, Illinois, United States

The Integrative Research Center (IRC) at the Field Museum seeks a philosopher of biology or similarly qualified individual for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship, focusing on the metaphysics of species and gene concepts.  At the Field Museum there is a strong research component pursuing species-level systematics using molecular data.  To integrate this research, investigations are underway to assess similarities and differences of species delimitation involving both different methods (algorithms) and different taxonomic groups.

The postdoctoral fellow is expected to interact closely with the scientists working in the IRC to investigate the metaphysical nature of the species and gene concepts at play in the diverse research programs participating in this integrative effort.  An important emphasis will be assessing the ontological commitment made by these concepts, if any, and determining possible consequences for biodiversity inventory and conservation.

To Apply

Interested applicants may submit their application to Olivier Rieppel, Director, Integrative Research Center, The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605-2496, USA. Or orieppel@fieldmuseum.org.

The application should include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a brief statement of interests, and the names of three referees.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Review of applications will begin October 1, 2013.