Sylvia Wenmackers

This fully funded two-year postdoctoral position at KU Leuven, Belgium, offers an exciting opportunity for researchers with expertise in the philosophy of biology or philosophy of physics to join the interdisciplinary project “Boundaries of Life: The Role of Self-Organization in the Transition from Non-Living to Living Systems.” The project aims to investigate the emergence of lifelike structures from active matter, exploring the fundamental question of what distinguishes living from nonliving systems. By integrating philosophical inquiry with experimental and computational biology, the project seeks to uncover the principles underlying the formation of lifelike behaviors and the transition from nonliving to living matter. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Professors Grant Ramsey and Sylvia Wenmackers, in close collaboration with Professors Bart Smeets and Lendert Gelens, and Dr. Alejandro Fábregas Tejeda. The postdoc will be based at the Centre for Logic and Philosophy of Science within the Institute of Philosophy at KU Leuven, with additional collaboration expected with the Department of Biosystems and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. The research will involve philosophical analysis of the boundary between living and nonliving matter, empirical work using Xenopus frog egg extracts and embryonic cells, and computational modeling of self-organizing dynamics. Key responsibilities include developing a conceptual framework for understanding synthetic biology and artificial life, guiding in silico and in vitro experiments, and contributing to the design of an interactive web-based tool for public engagement. The postdoc will also be expected to publish research articles, present at conferences, organize workshops, and participate in teaching (1-2 courses per year). The position offers a vibrant, inclusive academic environment and encourages collaboration across disciplines. Applicants must hold a PhD in Philosophy of Science, Biology, or Physics, with relevant experience in the philosophy of biology or philosophy of physics. Additional expertise in developmental biology, active matter, self-organization, synthetic biology, or artificial life is highly valued. Candidates should be able to teach philosophy and are expected to reside in or near Leuven by the start of the contract. The position is fully funded for two years, with a competitive salary and additional funds for conference travel. The application deadline is February 16, 2026, and the start date is flexible but ideally no later than October 2026. To apply, submit a cover letter, a project proposal (1000-1250 words), a CV with references, and a writing sample via the KU Leuven job portal. For further information, contact Prof. Grant Ramsey at [email protected]. For more about the Centre, visit https://hiw.kuleuven.be/clps . KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all applicants.