Denmark: PhD scholarship in Design for Patient Safety

Deadline: 15th October 2012

DTU Management Engineering is offering a PhD scholarship engaged in complexities in designing for patient safety. The PhD student will be attached to the newly formed division of Technology and Innovation Management. The division is expanding significantly during the years to come and is organised within three research themes: Industrial Dynamics & Strategy; Entrepreneurship; and Design Engineering & Innovation. The PhD student will be affiliated the latter theme.

The aim of the research project is to address how designing for patient safety may frame effects which are difficult to foresee, and mobilize transformative potentials in the intersection of innovation and working practice. From knowledge practices of designing and manufacturing, to procuring and domesticating technologies and products, patient safety in health care practices hinges on activities within, but also well beyond, the immediate setting of care. Recent movements in health care towards telemedicine and remote patient monitoring and care have also challenged the scope and boundaries of safety in patient care.
The research should address designing for patient safety as an emergent process of qualification among concerns heterogeneous in origin, challenging issues of accountability, as it spans boundaries and configurations of socio-material practices and, where domestication and value creation for patients as well as practitioners are in focus.
The project may draw on ethnographic and participatory research methods as well as synthesis-orientated approaches to analysis and design, to deal with the intricacies of practice, organization, and technology.
The starting date will be as soon as possible and before the end of 2012.


QualificationsCandidates must have a master degree in engineering or the social sciences with a background in technology, or equivalent academic qualifications. Some knowledge of product development processes is preferable but not a requirement. Moreover, they should:

• Have competence in conducting empirical investigations of collaborative work practices

• Demonstrate knowledge within the field of engineering studies and/or science and technology studies

• Be able to work independently for carrying out reflexive research, while also being part of a dynamic research group

• Be highly proficient in English, both written and spoken.

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.

Further information Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Yutaka Yoshinaka, tel: +45 45 25 60 65 or Associate Professor Saeema Ahmed-Kristensen tel: +45 45 25 55 63.

You can read more about the Department of Management Engineering at www.man.dtu.dk/English.aspx.