Postdoctoral Positions in Philosophy/Foundations of Physics at Oxford and Cambridge
Information at the Quantum Physics/Statistical Mechanics Nexus:
Entropy, Time Asymmetry, Probability and Perspective
Two fixed-term (three year) posts:
1 January 2014 – 31 December 2016
Faculties of Philosophy at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge
Salary: £29,541 per annum (Oxford); £27,854–£29,541 per annum (Cambridge)
Vacancy Reference: GV01692 (Cambridge) 109887 (Oxford)
Description:
Two postdoctoral research associate positions in philosophy or foundations of physics are available to suitably qualified candidates to work on the interdisciplinary project Information at the Quantum Physics/Statistical Mechanics Nexus: Entropy, Time Asymmetry, Probability and Perspective. One post will be held at Oxford, and one at Cambridge. Applicants for either position will automatically be considered for the other unless they specify otherwise in their application. The project is directed by Dr Chris Timpson (Oxford) and Professor Huw Price FBA (Cambridge), and is funded by the Templeton World Charity Foundation.
These positions would be suitable for candidates with backgrounds either in philosophy of physics or in foundations of physics, in particular, for candidates with high-level experience (at least doctoral level) in one, or preferably more, of the following areas: foundations of statistical mechanics, foundations of quantum mechanics; quantum information; the nature and origin of temporal asymmetries.
Candidates will be expected to provide evidence of exceptional potential for research and publication. The successful candidates will work as part of a team under the guidance of the project directors. The Oxford-based postdoc will be supervised by Dr Owen Maroney, and will work on the relationship between quantum information theory and statistical mechanics, and on the associated notions of probability therein. The Cambridge-based postdoc will be supervised by Prof. Huw Price, and will work on some subset of the following issues: causality and locality in quantum foundations, and temporal symmetries and asymmetries in information processing, in statistical mechanics, and in probabilistic and causal reasoning.
For these positions, candidates combining a strong technical background in quantum foundations or foundational aspects of quantum information/statistical mechanics, with a desire and an aptitude to broaden their expertise in areas of philosophy relevant to the subject are particularly encouraged to apply.
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must already hold a PhD in a relevant subject (or provide confirmation that they will be awarded a PhD by 1st January 2014, following corrections by the relevant Academic board).
Applications for both posts will be administered by the University of Cambridge using the online Job Applications system at
http://www2.phil.cam.ac.uk/job_apps_online/
Further Particulars for these posts, which include more detail on the Project, selection criteria, and instructions on how to apply, may also be found there, as also the official application (CHRIS 6) form, which must also be completed (Parts I and III only).
Using the Job Applications system, candidates must submit automated requests to their referees. References will need to be submitted using the Job Applications system by the application deadline.
Informal enquiries about the posts may be directed to Dr Chris Timpson ([email protected]).
The deadline for applications is 3.00pm local time on 25 October 2013. Interviews of shortlisted candidates will take place in early November 2013.
