PhD Positions (m/f/x), Areas: History of Biology, Philosophy of Biology

Stellenbeschreibung:

PhD Positions (m/f/x), Areas: History of Biology, Philosophy of Biology

The Institute of Philosophy I at the Ruhr University Bochum seeks applications for two fully funded PhD positions (1.0 FTE each), each for 4 years – one in philosophy of biology, one in history of biology. They will be part of the ERC‑funded project "BOTLEG – Botanical Legacies: Towards a New History and Philosophy of Virtual Herbaria". Doctoral students (m/f/x) will conduct their research under the supervision of the project’s PI, Dr. Jan Baedke.

This ERC‑funded project aims to help develop more inclusive, theoretically sound, and socially just botanical research by focusing on virtual herbaria—digitised collections of plant specimens. From a perspective of integrated history and philosophy of science, it addresses several historical, epistemic, and conceptual challenges of herbarium research in light of current digitisation trends. BOTLEG will collaborate with botanists and herbarium experts in Central America, Southeast Asia, and the Netherlands.

Scope

Full‑time (39.83 hours /week = 100 %)
Fixed‑term, 4 years
Start: 1st Sept 2026 (negotiable)
Apply by: 2026‑05‑25

Your tasks

The successful candidates (m/f/x) are expected to actively contribute to the project.

The philosophical PhD project should address relevant conceptual, epistemological, and/or methodological issues on or related to integrating and sharing plant and biodiversity data, digitisation trends and protocols in plant science, biases and values in data science, or conservation challenges, or focus on relevant concepts such as scientific pluralism or biological individuality.

The historical PhD project should study the work and impact of networks of local and Indigenous plant collectors (19‑20th century) in Central America (or Latin America more broadly) and South East Asia. This work should be supported by archival research and/or digital humanities approaches, exploring biodiversity databases as historical sources. The focus should be on issues of colonial science, epistemic injustice, values in plant science, traditional ecological knowledge, digital natural and cultural heritage, and Indigenous data sovereignty and governance.

Each candidate’s work should lead to a PhD dissertation within 4 years. The successful candidates (m/f/x) will be encouraged to present their research at international workshops or conferences, and at meetings of the international research group. Research collaborations with other team members (from Mexico, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Germany, and the U.S.) as well as with members of the Chair of History and Philosophy of Science are strongly encouraged. PhD researchers (m/f/x) will co‑organise workshops and conferences with the other members of the team and will have access to the group’s administrative facilities and financial support.

Your profile

For both positions a Master’s degree in philosophy or history is required. For the historical position a degree in digital humanities or computational analysis of biodiversity data is also accepted. The candidates should have a strong interest in integrating historical and philosophical studies of science in their work. Although prior knowledge of the history and philosophy of biology is not required, such knowledge will be considered a plus. Other general requirements are high research, writing, and communication skills, the ability to work independently and as part of an international team, and excellent command of English (mastery of German is not required).

For the PhD position in philosophy of biology , expertise (or some knowledge) in philosophy of science is required. The applicant needs the ability to substantively engage with philosophical and scientific texts.

For the PhD position in history of biology , applicants should have a profile in either history of science or digital humanities. They should be able to engage with historical sources (with reading skills in Dutch, Spanish or Bahasa Indonesia, or a willingness to acquire these skills) and have experience in archival research and/or experience in computational methods of text‑mining, analysis, and visualization (e.g., Python) or in analysis of biodiversity data (e.g., R).

Applications bridging these two profiles are also welcome.

We offer

A diverse and fair working environment
Support in reconciling work and family life
Extensive advanced training opportunities
Occupational health management offers

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).

Applications in English should include: a cover letter that addresses one’s interest in and suitability for the PhD position(s); a brief description (maximum 2 pages) of research topics, questions, or ideas of interest that fit the group’s profile; a full CV, including description of the topic of your MA dissertation; two references (recommendation letters are not required at this stage); a copy of the relevant degree/certificate; a representative writing sample (such as an extract from your master thesis, a term paper you have written, etc.).

German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). The university provides free courses for employees to acquire German if needed.

The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact

The Ruhr‑Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. We favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our fields. Women are expressly encouraged to apply; candidates with disabilities are most welcome.