Faculty of Philosophy: Radcliffe Humanities, Radcliffe Obervatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford

Grade 7: Salary in the range £31,604 - £33, 518 p.a.

Applications are invited for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Philosophy of Phenomenology. This post is fixed-term for 3 years from the date of appointment.

Recent years have seen an increasing interest in phenomenology as a qualitative research method. This development has primarily happened in the field of healthcare (e.g., nursing studies and occupational therapy), applied psychology, educational research and sports science. At first sight, the idea that phenomenology might offer important tools to qualitative researchers is hardly surprising. On closer examination, however, it quickly becomes evident that the precise character and value of the phenomenological contribution is contested. Well-known proponents of phenomenology as a qualitative research method such as Giorgi, van Manen and Smith disagree on fundamental issues, including the extent to which qualitative research must engage with and draw on the work of the phenomenological philosophers in order to qualify as phenomenological. 

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will work with the Principal Investigator to critically assess the current proposals on offer, and by drawing on insights found in classical phenomenological psychology and phenomenological psychiatry as well as in recent debates concerning naturalised phenomenology to develop a new set of tools that can be used by qualitative researchers and healthcare practitioners.

The successful candidate should have a PhD in philosophy, a solid background in phenomenology and familiarity with qualitative research as well as with either philosophy of psychiatry or philosophy of nursing. Also essential are excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research network at meetings.

Applications must be made online. Applicants will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of their online application. To apply for this post and for further details, including the job description and selection criteria, please access the link below.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 14 September 2018.