Netherlands: PH.D. STUDENT IN ETHICS (FULLTIME)

Deadline: 20th October 2013

The Department of Philosophy of the University of Twente in the Netherlands is looking for a Ph.D. student in ethics (fulltime) for the EU-funded SATORI project for the development of a European framework for the ethical assessment of scientific research and technological innovation.
Functieomschrijving
The PhD position is part of a prestigious and exciting four-year project, SATORI, which is a EU-FP7-funded “Science and Society” project with a total budget of 4.7 million euros. The aim of the project is to develop common methods, standards and approaches for the ethical assessment of research and innovation within Europe, to the benefit of assessors, stakeholders and society as a whole, and in association with major non-European partners, especially the US and China. The results of the project are to be utilized by a variety of assessors, including funding agencies, research ethics committees, policy makers, industry, NGOs, and others. The project will concern itself with issues such as the potential impact of research and innovation on the environment, health, privacy, and civil rights, issues of globalization and internationalization of research, responsible product design, scientific integrity, informed consent, ethical issues in human subjects research and the social responsibility of industry, scientists, engineers, and other relevant actors, with the aim of proposing unified frameworks and approaches. It will also consider the legal and policy framework for these issues, and make policy recommendations. The sixteen partners from thirteen countries in the project aim to develop standards and approaches for implementation within Europe, in close association with relevant stakeholders inside and outside Europe. The consortium includes universities, government entities, standardization agencies, industry, civil society/NGO actors, corporate partners, and UNESCO as a transnational partner. The project will start in January 2014. Professor Philip Brey of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Twente is the coordinator (leader) of the project and one of its main researchers. As a PhD student in the project, you will be working closely with Prof. Brey in developing the framework for the project and you will also have an assisting role in coordination of the project. Prof. Brey is full professor in philosophy, with a focus on ethics and technology.
Uw profiel
A master’s degree or equivalent degree in ethics or a related area in philosophy, preferably, but not necessarily, with a focus on research ethics (including ethics of medicine, natural science, social science, humanities, or engineering) and/or ethics of innovation and/or technology. Good analytical skills. Good ability to do conceptual work and to construct new (ethical) theories and frameworks. Preferably experience in collecting and analyzing empirical data, or a willingness to learn and apply such skills. Good communication skills in English, in writing as well as orally. Good team spirit. Creativity, open-mindedness, and an ability to develop new ideas. Willingness to travel. Information and applicationFor further information please contact the project leader, Prof. dr. P.A.E. Brey (e-mail:p.a.e.brey@utwente.nl; phone: +31-53-4894426). He can also provide you with a fuller description of the SATORI project.