The Warsaw University of Technology has published a short feature on the research project and its investigation into the relational foundations of physics.
Read the article (in Polish) here.
Call for Applications: Postdoctoral Researcher in Philosophy of Physics
The Department of Philosophy and Ethics in Administration at Warsaw University of Technology invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher (assistant professor) position within the research project “A Machian Framework for Quantum Physics,” led by Dr. hab. Antonio Vassallo and funded by the National Science Center (OPUS-25 grant).
Position Details:
- Duration: 30 months, full-time (40 hours/week)
- Location: Warsaw, Poland
About the Project: The project applies the theoretical framework of Pure Shape Dynamics and a metaphysics of self-subsisting structures to develop a new approach to understanding quantum physics. The goal is to investigate how quantum properties and spacetime may emerge from deeper, purely relational structures, without relying on background space and time.
Full project description available here: https://ssqg.ans.pw.edu.pl/en/index.php/the-project-in-detail/.
Expectations: The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator to develop relational quantum models and their metaphysical interpretations. The candidate will also work within the research environment of the Philosophy of Physics Group at Warsaw University of Technology. More about the group: https://ans.pw.edu.pl/Nauka/Zespoly-badawcze/Philosophy-of-Physics-Group. Responsibilities include co-authoring publications in peer-reviewed journals, participating in international conferences and workshops, and contributing to the project’s organizational activities.
Eligibility Requirements:
- PhD in philosophy or physics (awarded no earlier than 7 years before January 1, 2025; extensions possible under certain conditions)
- Strong background in philosophy of physics, metaphysics, or foundations of physics
- Familiarity with relationalism, Pure Shape Dynamics, and the metaphysics of quantum physics is an asset
- Fluent English
- Fulfillment of NCN postdoc employment conditions (details in full description)
Benefits:
- Attractive remuneration and working conditions
- Stimulating, supportive research environment
- Yearly allowance for international conferences and research visits
- Access to additional health and family allowances
Application Deadline: May 9, 2025
For full details on the position, eligibility, and application procedure, visit: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/334390
Informal inquiries are welcome at: antonio.vassallo@pw.edu.pl
The Department of Philosophy and Ethics in Administration offers a unique and stimulating research environment—a cohesive, dynamic, and well-managed team with a strong commitment to international collaboration. It is a place where philosophy meets the natural and technical sciences, drawing inspiration from their achievements. We offer flexible research conditions, allowing for individual academic development and intellectual freedom. Despite our excellent evaluation results, we do not engage in a competitive “publish-or-perish” culture—our focus remains on high-quality research and a creative academic atmosphere. Our work is widely published in top-tier journals, and our projects are supported by prestigious national and international research grants. The department’s modern and interdisciplinary character stems from our research areas, which bridge philosophy, mathematics, physics, artificial intelligence, formal ontology, argumentation theory, and ethos theory. We maintain daily collaboration with scientists and engineers, fostering intellectual exchange between these traditionally distinct academic cultures. We also cherish the classical foundations of philosophy, upholding its commitment to wisdom and its essential social role. If you are looking for an opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at Poland’s leading technical university, where philosophy flourishes in an interdisciplinary environment and where curiosity and understanding are at the core of academic work, we warmly invite you to join us!