Research Fellow on ‘Ethics of Doubt’ Project

Overview

The University of Southampton seeks to appoint a Research Fellow in Philosophy on a two-year fixed-term basis, who will work on Prof. Genia Schönbaumsfelds ERC Advanced Grant project, The Ethics of Doubt Kierkegaard, Scepticism and Conspiracy Theory.

This exciting, five-year project seeks to explore the hypothesis that scepticism is not just an intellectual problem to be addressed by theory, but also an ethical challenge involving the whole person of the doubter. It centers on the work of Søren Kierkegaard, whose existential approach conceives radical doubt as an ethical problem linked to vices such as lack of courage and fear of freedom and responsibility. If Kierkegaard is right, scepticism cannot be fully addressed by contemporary analytic epistemology alone and may require personal transformation and character development. The project also considers how scepticism appears in wider cultural phenomena such as conspiracy theories and ply news, highlighting broader significance beyond academia.

The successful candidate will show outstanding potential as a philosopher and have expertise in two or more central areas of the project: the philosophy of conspiracy theory; scepticism; virtue epistemology. Knowledge of Kierkegaard is an advantage but not required. A willingness to engage with and learn more about areas outside your primary expertise is a requirement. Good administrative and digital skills are essential.

You will be part of the project team led by the PI, working closely with other project Research Fellows and PhD students. You will participate in regular team meetings, contribute to organizing and promoting project events (workshops and conferences), and help maintain and develop project educational materials such as online modules. You may be asked to co-supervise a project PhD student.

You will have a PhD in Philosophy. You are expected to reside in England during the duration of the post.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD; prior to qualification, the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

The project is hosted by the Philosophy Department at the University of Southampton, which has notable rankings and awards. The department subscribes to best-practice schemes, and the University holds Athena Swan Silver Award and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award.

Start date: 1 September 2026. Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. Genia Schönbaumsfeld (gmes@soton.ac.uk). See www.ethicsofdoubt.org.

How to apply: Upload your CV, a 1000-word research proposal detailing your intended research on the project, and a covering letter describing how your skills and experience match the requirements. Deadline for submission: 1 December 2025. Interviews will take place in January 2026.

Qualifications

• PhD in Philosophy (or candidates near completion)
• Ability to engage with areas of the project beyond primary expertise
• Strong administrative and digital skills

Seniority level

• Internship

Employment type

• Temporary

Job function

• Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
• Higher Education