Postdoctoral Position in Philosophy of Cancer (30/06/2026)

Overview

COCOCAN investigates cancer from a conceptual, theoretical, and philosophical perspective, with a particular focus on the interplay between competition and cooperation in oncological processes. While empirical research increasingly highlights the importance of cooperative phenomena in cancer (e.g., among tumor cells, between tumors and host tissues, or involving the microbiome), this evidence remains fragmented. The project aims to develop a coherent conceptual framework capable of integrating these insights and clarifying their implications for our understanding of cancer.

Postdoctoral Project

The successful candidate will develop an independent research project aligned with COCOCAN's themes. The precise topic is flexible, provided it engages with the broader question of cooperation and competition in cancer biology. Possible research questions include (but are not limited to):

• What roles do cooperative interactions play in processes such as metastasis?
• Do the conditions of cancer coincide with the conditions of multicellularity?
• How do interactions between the organism, cancer cells, and the microbiome affect intra-host cooperation?

Candidate Profile

We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in philosophy, the biological and biomedical sciences, or related fields. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in conceptual, theoretical and/or philosophical issues in cancer biology, as evidenced by their previous research.

What We Offer

• A stimulating interdisciplinary research environment of philosophers of science embedded in a biology lab
• Collaboration with philosophers of biology and medicine, along with scientists and MDs working on cancer
• Full-time funding for two years

Application Details

Please send your resume and a cover letter with a brief (2-4 pages) description of your project idea(s) to fridolin.gross@u-bordeaux.fr and thomas.pradeu@u-bordeaux.fr. The application deadline is July 30, 2026.

Location: Bordeaux, France
Deadline: July 30, 2026
Start: October 1, 2026