Overview
The role is a three-year postdoctoral research position in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Bristol. The Research Associate will work on the ERC project Expressing Value in Language (EVIL), led by Principal Investigator Dr Poppy Mankowitz. The project investigates evaluative adjectives (for example, good, bad, beautiful, tasty) from philosophy, theoretical linguistics and experimental linguistics. The role holder will have expertise in philosophy of language and/or linguistics.
What will you be doing?
You will work collaboratively as part of a project team consisting of the Principal Investigator, two postdoctoral Research Associates and one PhD student.
The project comprises three interrelated parts:
* Part 1 — Theoretical Details: develop a linguistic analysis of consensus adjectives like “good” and investigate implications for debates about moral value within metaethics, value theory and broader philosophy.
* Part 2 — Theoretical Generalisations: develop a linguistic analysis of a broader class of evaluative adjectives, addressing issues such as gradability, multidimensionality, experiencers and judges, and exploring implications for philosophical debates about non-moral value.
* Part 3 — Empirical Investigations: evaluate predictions derived from Parts 1 and 2 through sentence-judgement tasks and cross-linguistic studies.
The role holder is expected to conduct research primarily on Parts 1 and 2 from the perspective of theoretical linguistics and philosophy of language. The ability to assist with experimental linguistic work in Part 3 is desirable.
You should apply if
* You have a PhD in Philosophy or Linguistics (completed or submitted) by the time of appointment.
* You have research expertise in philosophy of language and/or linguistics.
* You have the ability to conduct research independently.
* You have an interest in interdisciplinary work that connects metaethics, philosophy of language and linguistics.
Additional information
To apply, please upload to the application system: a cover letter outlining suitability for the role, a CV, and a writing sample. Applicants who do not provide these may not be considered for shortlisting.
Contract type: Open-ended with three years fixed funding
Work pattern: 1 FTE
Shift pattern: Monday - Friday
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 9th April 2026
For informal queries please contact: poppy.mankowitz@bristol.ac.uk
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Salary: £43,482 to £48,822. Grade J, per annum
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