PhD position (100%) in philosophy of climate science

We are pleased to advertise a PhD position in the project “Is More Always Better? The Future of Climate Change Science”, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. The starting date for employment is February 1st, 2026 or soon thereafter.

In current climate science, there is a strong push towards more detailed and powerful computational models to address the challenges posed by current climate change. However, are bigger models always better? Which epistemic purposes can be reached with higher resolution and new machine-learning methods, and which not? How can the scientific understanding of the climate system be deepened with computational models? How is it related to providing decision-relevant climate change information? Our research project takes current discussions in climate science about the future of the discipline as an opportunity to examine its epistemic foundations with a special focus on values. For a summary of the project and its subprojects, please consult this webpage .

The project group will consist of the PhD student, Prof. Beisbart, and Prof. Lam. The PhD student is expected to develop their own PhD project within the subproject on value management within climate science (B1).

• an excellent master's degree in philosophy, ideally philosophy of (climate) science, to be completed by December 31st, 2025 (we also consider applicants with an excellent master's degree in climate science with a demonstrated strong interest in philosophy of science);
• a strong interest in current climate science;
• the willingness and ability to interact with climate scientists;
• the willingness and ability to contribute to the project's research outputs (peer reviewed publications and conference presentations);
• the readiness to contribute to collaborative research;
• excellent mastery of English (German is not required);
• the willingness and ability to contribute to the organisation of research activities related to the project.

• the opportunity to work on a Ph.D. in philosophy of science in an internationally oriented and stimulating research context;
• attractive working conditions in a highly collaborative philosophy department;
• exchange and collaboration with top researchers about climate change in the Oeschger Centre of Climate Change Research;
• many opportunities to present and discuss one's PhD research in colloquia and workshops;
• the possibility of shaping the agenda of the research project by co-organising events;
• funding for travel to relevant conferences.

The salary is competitive (SNSF salary for a PhD student in Bern)

We value diversity and encourage applications from groups that are underrepresented in philosophy.

We kindly ask you to apply by submitting an electronic dossier including (i) a letter of motivation, (ii) a C.V., (iii) academic certificates, (iv) a short sketch of a project proposal for your dissertation (about 500 words; it should fit the aims of the project and contribute to subproject B1; no full disposition is required; we just want to learn about your interests and ideas) (v) a writing sample (e.g. chapter from master thesis; about 7.500 – 12.500 words); and (vi) a list of at least two academic references. Please send your dossier in one PDF file to E-Mail schreiben and E-Mail schreiben by September 20th, 2025.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with any of the PIs if you have further questions!

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Dr. C. Beisbart, Institute of Philosophy, University of Bern, E-Mail schreiben.
Prof. Dr. Vincent Lam, Institute of Philosophy, University of Bern, E-Mail schreiben.


Link webpage