Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Philosophy/Foundations of Physics

Applications are invited for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Oxford.  This post is fixed-term for 3 years and is part of the research project Quantum Measurement, Locality, and Reality in High Energy Experiments, funded by the John Templeton Foundation. The project will explore the foundations of quantum mechanics at high energies, bringing together collaborators in the University of Oxford’s Department of Physics and Faculty of Philosophy. There will be particular focus on measurement of quantum observables, Bell inequality violation, ideal theory-independent tests of nonlocality, and the measurement problem (the classical-to-quantum transition) in high energy experiments.

Reporting to the Project Co-Leader, Prof. Chris Timpson, the post holder will be a member of a research group, with responsibility for carrying out research in the foundational and philosophical aspects of high energy measurement of quantum observables. The post holder will collaborate with physics colleagues engaged in experimental measurements and will provide guidance to junior members of the research group, including research assistants and PhD students.

The role is open to candidates with suitable training either in philosophy of quantum mechanics or in foundations of quantum mechanics.

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Timpson (christopher.timpson@bnc.ox.ac.uk) to discuss the post informally prior to application. 

Successful candidates will hold a completed doctorate or have a doctoral dissertation submitted for examination by the advertised closing date (candidates who have not yet been awarded their PhD should provide the date their thesis was submitted in their supporting statement) in philosophy or Foundations of Physics.  They will be expected to provide evidence of an outstanding academic research record, appropriate to their career stage, in Philosophy or Foundations of Physics.  Candidates require an advanced understanding of Bell inequality violation, the measurement problem in quantum mechanics, and related ideas.  Also essential are excellent research skills, an enthusiasm for collaboration, and the ability to work independently and without close supervision.

Applications for this post must be made online and should be submitted no later than 12 noon on 21 March 2025.

Interviews are expected to take place in April 2025.