ARC Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Philosophy of Biology)

· Annual Salary Package: From $127,138 (Level B.1), plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading.
· Appointment type: Full-time, 3-year fixed term contract
· Location: Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
About the Role
This position is part of ARC Discovery Project “Health, Biological Fitness and Environmental Diversity”.
The appointee will work with Dr Bourrat (Macquarie University, Philosophy), Professor Raubenheimer (University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre), Emeritus Professor Griffiths (University of Sydney & Macquarie University, Philosophy), and collaborators to develop a framework for understanding how the organism–environment interface shapes biological fitness, adaptation, and health.
The successful candidate will contribute to all aspects of the project in collaboration with the research team. This will include:
1. Developing an integrative framework for different measures of biological fitness.
2. Developing a framework for understanding the role of the environment in explanations of adaptation.
3. Exploring the implications of these frameworks for understanding health.
The research will involve close collaboration between philosophy and biological sciences and requires expertise at the intersection of philosophy of biology and evolutionary biology.
The position will be based in the Theory and Methods in Bioscience group, led by Dr Bourrat within the Philosophy Discipline, and will also be affiliated with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre.
About Us
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation in 1964, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we've grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.
Within the University, the Faculty of Arts is one of Australia’s leading arts and humanities faculties, bringing together a diverse community of educators, researchers and professional staff. Its professional staff work in partnership with academic colleagues to support the faculty’s teaching, research and engagement through high-quality administrative services.
The position is based in the School of Humanities within the Faculty of Arts.
For further information on the research activities of the team, please visit the following websites:
Dr Pierrick Bourrat: https://pierrickbourrat.com/
Prof. David Raubenheimer: https://profiles.sydney.edu.au/david.raubenheimer
Emer. Prof. Paul Griffiths: https://tmbiosci.org/person/?personId=90
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.
Referees should not send reference letters unless contacted directly by Macquarie University. The University will contact referees, if reference checks are required at a later stage of the selection process.
Essential Selection Criteria:
PhD in Philosophy (awarded) or another field relevant to the research project,
Demonstrated expertise in Philosophy of Biology and/or Theoretical Biology, with a specific focus on evolutionary biology,
A strong track record of publications in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals at the intersection of philosophy of biology and evolutionary biology,
Proven ability to conduct highly interdisciplinary research, bridging philosophical theory with empirical findings from the biological sciences, and
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with evidence of ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary research team and to meet project deadlines.
Note: Please note this position requires a criminal history/ police check and an academic qualification check.
*** International applicants are welcome to apply.
For specific role enquires, please contact Pierrick Bourrat, Senior Lecturer at pierrick.bourrat@mq.edu.au
Applications Close: Sunday 22 November at 11:59 p.m. (AEST)
*** We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.
Why Join Us?
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 is just a short walk from Macquarie University Metro Station and Macquarie Shopping Centre. Enjoy the benefits of working at a campus that offers:
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
Pre-Employment Checks
Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, 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:
21/10/2026 11:59 PM
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