Research Associate in Philosophy

We have an opportunity for a Research Associate to make a leading contribution the  KNOW-HOW research project, funded by European Research Council Advanced Grant 101199255 – PI (J Adam Carter), based at the University of Glasgow’s COGITO Epistemology Research Centre). The successful candidate will produce high-quality research in epistemology in accordance with the project’s aims. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research proposals as well as to undertake organizational tasks in the service of managing the project under the direction of the PI.

Project overview: "KNOW-HOW: A new framework for theoretical and practical control across intelligence domains".

Knowing what is true is valuable, but practical knowledge – knowledge of how to do things – is equally critical. Having such ‘know-how’ enables us to succeed in action, and achieve our goals. Currently, little consensus exists across philosophical and empirical disciplines about the nature of know-how and what is involved in exercising it. Research results are siloed across epistemology, action theory, philosophy of language, and cognitive science, and fundamental disagreement persists about whether research questions about know-how primarily concern cognitive processes or behavioral manifestations. These theoretical barriers hinder our ability to recognize and utilize know-how effectively.

KNOW-HOW aims to make a major advance here by developing a comprehensive framework for understanding know-how and its place in a wider web of concepts we rely on to understand and describe intelligent behavior across a range of activities we care about and depend on. A novel hypothesis to be explored is that know-how disposes us not just to success but to creditworthy control. This control, it is proposed, takes a theoretically unified form in both intentional action and judgment, revealing how know-how enhances performance in a structurally symmetrical way when we deliberate and when we act. With minimal metaphysical commitments, the framework applies to both biological and artificial intelligence, avoiding ad hoc explanations and preserving theoretical unification across areas of philosophy that have yet to benefit from each other's shared resources. KNOW-HOW will put our understanding of know-how on a new footing, impacting academic research across disciplines.

For informal enquiries, please contact Prof J Adam Carter, Adam.Carter@glasgow.ac.uk.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week) and has funding for up to 24 months (with an anticipated start date of 5^th January 2026).

For more information on the role, the project, and to apply online: www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/research-associate-98

Closing date: 9^th November 2025 at 23:45

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

Advert information