The Centre for Logic and Philosophy of Science (CLPS) at KU Leuven is inviting applications for a PhD researcher position in Philosophy of Science (4 years full-time). The successful applicant will be part of the project “From Data to Mechanisms: Classifying and Reducing Uncertainty in Climate Models” funded by the KU Leuven Research Council and supervised by Prof. Sylvia Wenmackers.
The Centre for Logic and Philosophy of Science is part of the Institute of Philosophy at KU Leuven. The Centre focuses on logic and philosophy of science, with a special concentration on the philosophies of the particular sciences. The members of the CLPS often engage in interdisciplinary projects. The Centre is very active in the organisation of seminars and workshops in cooperation with international colleagues.
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Project
The project examines the interplay between uncertainty and causality in climate science. The recent advent of machine learning (ML) methods has improved the predictive accuracy of climate models. Since they often operate as ‘black boxes’, however, they also obscure causal mechanisms and complicate the attribution of uncertainty to projections.
By integrating philosophical analysis with hands-on climate modelling, we address two core questions:
- How can various sources of uncertainty in model projections be classified, estimated, and reduced?
- How do advanced mathematical models relate to causal mechanisms in climate phenomena?
The project comprises four interconnected work packages: (1) developing a refined typology of uncertainty in climate science; (2) adapting causation-tracking methods (particularly INUS-based Coincidence Analysis) for high-dimensional climate datasets; (3) creating physics-informed and causally interpretable ML parametrisations for land–atmosphere interactions; and (4) synthesising these insights into a comprehensive epistemological framework that clarifies the interplay between uncertainty and causality in scientific models. This research has implications for climate policy and scientific modelling, also in other disciplines where ML is increasingly deployed.
Profile
You have completed a Master’s Degree in Philosophy, Earth- or Environmental Science, Climatology or related field (such as Geography, Geology, Engineering, Bio-engineering, Meteorology, Oceanography, Mathematics, Physics or Informatics).
• In the case of a Master’s Degree in Philosophy or similar, you also have relevant skills in physics, statistical modelling, data science and/or machine-learning.
• In the case of a Master’s Degree in the Sciences or Engineering, you also have a strong interest in Philosophy of Science and are willing to follow additional courses in Philosophy as part of your doctoral programme.
• In both cases, prior knowledge of Climatology, Weather and/or Climate Modelling is a strong plus.
You have some experience in computational programming and strong analytical skills.
You are able to work independently and have good organisational skills.
You are able to communicate with other researchers in an interdisciplinary team. You can initiate and maintain collaborations with external researchers as needed.
You are willing to enrol in the doctoral programme of the Institute of Philosophy at KU Leuven.
You have an excellent command of written and spoken English (demonstrated by a degree awarded from an English-speaking university or by being able to provide a certificate for one of the Institute of Philosophy’s accepted tests of English proficiency). Speaking Dutch is an asset.
You are willing to take up some educational tasks in Philosophy through the teaching pool.
You have not yet worked in the status of doctoral grantee.
Offer
A full-time position within an internationally leading multidisciplinary team with relevant experience and expertise. The supervisory team includes professors Sylvia Wenmackers (Institute of Philosophy, KU Leuven) and Nicole Van Lipzig (Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven).
A scholarship contract of 1 year that, after a positive evaluation, can be extended to a period of 4 years.
Multiple benefits (health insurance, access to university infrastructure, and sports facilities).
Research will take place at the Institute of Philosophy, KU Leuven.
The start date will be determined in consultation with the candidate, at the earliest October 1, 2026.
Interested?
Review of the applications will start immediately and suitable candidates might be invited before the formal deadline of this application. Please submit your application as soon as possible.
If selected, the final job offer will be contingent on the approval of the Institute’s doctoral committee as well as the university’s admissions office.
All applicants are informed once the selection process is complete.
Applicants should send through the online application system of KU Leuven:
• A short cover letter (1 page max.) explaining the candidate’s relevant background and motivation to apply for this vacancy;
• a CV including the names and email of at least two academic references;
• Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts and diplomas;
• if available, test certificate for proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL etc.);
• a brief declaration (half a page max.) on the use of generative AI tools for the production of any of the materials submitted for this vacancy, including a statement that describes the candidate’s general position on the use of AI tools for philosophical research.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Sylvia Wenmackers via email:
[email protected].
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
