Postdoctoral Research Fellow(UK Visa Sponsorship)

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Uk
March 9, 2026
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

About UCL Philosophy

The UCL Department of Philosophy is a leading centre for research and teaching, dedicated to exploring fundamental questions in ethics, political theory, law, aesthetics, and mind. The department fosters a collaborative and intellectually vibrant environment and is committed to supporting early career researchers in developing their academic trajectory.

Project Overview

The postdoctoral fellow will join Dr Jonathan Gingerich on the ERC-selected and UKRI-funded research project, “The Spontaneity of Freedom” (SPONT). This five-year project investigates the nature of spontaneous freedom—the ability to act in unplanned, unscripted ways—and its implications for ethics, politics, law, aesthetics, and moral psychology.

Key Features:

Participate in a dynamic research programme including a speaker series during the academic year and an annual summer conference.

Conduct independent research in one or more of the following areas:

  • Value theory (ethics, political philosophy, jurisprudence, aesthetics, moral psychology)
  • History of philosophy
  • Phenomenology
  • Philosophy of mind

Contribute to the intellectual life of the SPONT project, while developing your own high-quality research outputs.

Role Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

  • Engage full-time in philosophical research and its dissemination.
  • Plan and carry out a programme of original research, producing publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Present research findings at conferences and seminars.
  • Collaborate with the SPONT team to support workshops, the speaker series, and annual conference events.
  • Participate in departmental and research community activities, enhancing the visibility and impact of the SPONT project.
  • Reporting Line: Directly to Dr Jonathan Gingerich, Principal Investigator.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking candidates who:

  • Hold a PhD in Philosophy or a closely related field, or are near completion with submission prior to start date.
  • Specialize in value theory, history of philosophy, phenomenology, or philosophy of mind.
  • Are motivated to contribute to a collaborative research environment while maintaining an independent research agenda.
  • Can satisfy UK right to work requirements, either via citizenship, settled status, or eligibility for a visa.

Visa & Immigration Guidance:

Salary & Benefits

  • Expected appointment at Grade 7, Spine Point 31, £45,103 per annum (2025/26, inclusive of London Allowance).
  • Incremental pay progression applies according to UCL policies
  • Research budget equivalent to permanent academic staff personal allowance.

Full benefits include:

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse community. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in Philosophy, including:

  • Black, Asian, and ethnic minority candidates

Disabled individuals

How to Apply

Applicants should submit:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) – highlighting education, research experience, publications, and academic achievements.
  • Cover Letter – outlining suitability for the role and research focus.
  • Research Plan – optional summary if relevant to SPONT research themes.
  • Applications must be submitted via the UCL portal before 2 April 2026.

This post offers an exceptional opportunity to develop your postdoctoral career within a high-profile, interdisciplinary research environment, contributing to internationally significant philosophical work on freedom and ethics.

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