Doctoral researcher - Responses to Newton’s Mathematical-Experimental Paradigm in 18th-Century Philosophy Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) in Belgium

The Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is offering a full-time, one-year doctoral fellowship ('seed money') at the Centre de recherche en Philosophie, located on Campus Solbosch in Brussels. This PhD position is part of the EOS project 'Responses to Newton’s Mathematical-Experimental Paradigm in 18th-Century Philosophy' (RENEW18), which explores the impact of Newton’s paradigm on philosophical developments and debates in the eighteenth century. The project is jointly led by Karin de Boer (KU Leuven), Steffen Ducheyne (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), and Arnaud Pelletier (ULB), with Prof. Arnaud Pelletier serving as the supervisor for this subproject.

Applicants are encouraged to propose their own research project, provided it aligns with the scope of RENEW18, focusing on developments or debates in eighteenth-century philosophy related to Newton’s mathematical-experimental paradigm. The successful candidate will conduct independent research and participate in team activities, including meetings, talks, workshops, and conferences. The working language within the consortium is English, and the PhD thesis may be written in either French or English.

The fellowship offers training opportunities, social and health benefits, office space, and a research budget. The position is for 12 months, with the possibility of extension up to 16 months. During the fellowship, the candidate is expected to apply for additional external funding, particularly from the FNRS. The monthly stipend is approximately 2,561 EUR (tax-free).

Eligibility requirements include an MA degree in philosophy at the start of the contract, good knowledge of the history of modern philosophy, excellent command of English, and teamwork skills. Depending on the project, knowledge of French, Latin, or the history and philosophy of science may be required. Application materials should include a cover letter, CV (with publication list and referees), academic transcript, writing sample (MA thesis or essay), and a research statement (2–4 pages, FNRS template).

The application deadline is June 30, 2026, and interviews will be held online in early July. The preferred starting date is September 1, 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Arnaud Pelletier at [email protected]. ULB is committed to diversity and equal opportunities in its recruitment policy. More details on gender and diversity policy are available on the ULB website.

For more information about the Centre de recherche en Philosophie, visit https://phi.phisoc.ulb.be. Details about the RENEW18 project can be found at www.renew18.be. Apply via the application portal or by sending your materials to [email protected].