Position Summary

The Department of Philosophy at Michigan State University is seeking a full-time 2-year philosophy and history of biology postdoctoral research associate. The position is funded by the project "Epistemic and Ethical Functions of Categories in the Agricultural Sciences" National Science Foundation, led by Catherine Kendig (PI) and Paul B. Thompson (co-PI). The postdoctoral research associate will join the core research team conducting collaborative research in philosophy and history of agriculture analyzing how category development in the agricultural sciences shapes explanatory goals and experimental methods. The postdoc will also assist Kendig and Thompson in organizing workshop activities and other administrative duties. A short description of the project can be found here:

The philosophy and history of biology postdoctoral research associate will have expertise in the area(s) of philosophy and/or history of biology and its applications (inclusively understood). Candidates with research specialization in the epistemology of agricultural sciences; biological metaphysics; metaphysics and epistemology of classification; social ontology; Indigenous philosophy of science; philosophy of anthropology are strongly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will be one of the central researchers for "Epistemic and Ethical Functions of Categories in the Agricultural Sciences". They will work alongside the PI (Kendig), co-PI (Thompson), and an interdisciplinary team of researchers and participate in the development of several collaborative research projects. The local research team is comprised of MSU-based agronomists, agricultural extension specialists, and community partner in urban farming and food system racial equity. Relying on practice-oriented approaches to philosophy of science, they will focus on normatively defined philosophical problems focusing on soils and cropping systems, ecology, field experimentation of soil health and conservation tillage and host-pathogen interactions. The local research group will be available on an ongoing basis to offer critique and advice as case studies develop. In addition to research, the successful candidate will also help organize two "Categories in the Agricultural Sciences" expert workshops, the "Food, Fuel & Fiber Forum" international virtual workshops in coordination with Kendig and Thompson. Administrative duties will also include managing social media for the project. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to teach in the Department of Philosophy in an area of their AOS: (e.g., PHL480 Philosophy of Science, PHL380 Nature of Science, PHL101 Introduction to Philosophy). The candidate will receive mentorship and professional development training from the PI and coPI.

The research environment

Michigan State University was established in 1855, and by 1862, it stood as the premier land-grant university in the United States. MSU is a leading research university. The campus comprises 5,200 acres (21km2) that includes extensive research institutes, test farms, the W. J. Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum, and the MSU herbarium which holds approximately 522,800 specimens, with 324,200 specimens of vascular plants, 126,400 lichenized fungi, 41,800 non-lichenized fungi, 26,100 bryophytes, 4,300 algae, with over 2,000 type specimens. Agroecological Research.

MSU is a robust center for interdisciplinary philosophy of science in practice. The Department of Philosophy is known for its engaged approach to the discipline. Please see the Department website: for more information. Philosophers at MSU work within a vibrant community of more than sixty science s