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- Salary: Annual base $123,435 (Level B), plus 17% employer's superannuation contribution and annual leave loading.- Appointment type: Full-time, 2-year fixed term contract
- Location: Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
About the Role
This position is part of the John Templeton Foundation’s project Cognition All the Way Up.
The appointee will work with Dr Bourrat (Philosophy), Prof. Barron (Biological Sciences), Emer. Prof. Griffiths (Philosophy) and collaborators to develop a unifying framework between evolutionary transitions in individuality (ETIs) and major transitions in cognitive architecture (ETCs). This involves exploring a potential continuum of cognition, from basal organisms to complex animal societies, and extracting general principles, by comparing cases of transitions in both domains. The successful candidate will be expected to develop testable hypotheses that can be applied to new model systems, such as bee colonies, in collaboration with the project team.
The research will be conducted in close collaboration between Philosophy and Biological Sciences.
The position will be located in the Theory and Methods in Bioscience group, headed by Dr Bourrat in the Philosophy Discipline.
The skills required for this position lie at the intersection of philosophy of biology and philosophy of cognitive sciences.
About Us
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Celebrating its 60th year in 2024, it was established as a bold experiment in higher education and designed to break from educational traditions to work in tandem with industry. Institutionally we strive for the extraordinary by challenging convention and embracing different views. Our pioneering culture has encouraged and inspired students, staff and collaborators to break free from conventional thinking, and to actively shape the complex issues that define the future of humanity.
For further information on the research activities of the team, please visit the following websites:
Dr Pierrick Bourrat: https://pierrickbourrat.com/
Prof. Andrew Barron: http://andrewbarron.org/
Emer. Prof. Paul Griffiths: https://tmbiosci.org/
How to Apply
Please apply online and attach your resume (including a list of two referees), and a separate cover letter that outlines how you meet the selection criteria below:
Essential Selection Criteria:
PhD in Philosophy of Life Sciences (Philosophy of Biology or Cognitive Sciences) relevant to the research project
A strong track record of publications in high-quality peer reviewed journals in Philosophy of Biology/Cognitive Sciences contributing to advancing theories of minimal or basal cognition and/or evolutionary transitions in individuality.
Proven ability to conduct highly interdisciplinary research, bridging philosophical theory with empirical findings from the biological sciences.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with evidence of ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary research team and to meet project deadlines.
*Please note this position requires criminal record check.
For role specific enquires, please contact Pierrick Bourrat, Senior Lecturer at Write to the company
Applications Close: Tuesday 22nd of July at 11:59pm AEST
Why work at Macquarie
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability.
Our prime location, we are walking distance from Macquarie University Metro Station and Macquarie Shopping Centre. Not only are we close, take a look at our benefits on offer:
17% Superannuation
Subsidised onsite parking options
Flexible working options
Training and professional development
Onsite childcare facilities
Discounted health insurance (Medibank)
Onsite vacation care
Employee Assistance Program
Subsidised membership at the Sport & Aquatic Centre
Onsite GP, imaging & physio clinics
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, Write to the company, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close:
22/07/2025 11:59 PMDiversity and Inclusion
Innovation and ingenuity thrive at Macquarie University when diversity, equity and inclusion take centre stage. At the University, we embrace a culture where diversity of background, experience and perspective are fundamental to our success.
We do not discriminate on gender identity, age, culture, disability, sexuality, Indigeneity, family and caring responsibilities or religion. See our journey towards leadership in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, explore our Candidate Resource Hub.
