Doctoral Position in the Ethics of Synthetic Biology
University of Antwerp Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Belgium

Department: Department of Philosophy

Regime Full-time

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The Centre for Ethics in the Faculty of Arts is looking for a full-time doctoral scholarship holder in the field of the Ethics of Synthetic Biology.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis on the topic of the ethics of synthetic biology. Specifically, you will study the ethics of synthetic biology, both with empirical and theoretical methods. In close collaboration with a research team developing new methods in synthetic biology, you will develop a toolbox for an Ethics by Design approach for synthetic biology.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the centre for ethics.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in philosophy, bioethics or moral sciences or you hold a Master degree in bioengineering or biomedical sciences with an additional degree in philosophy or ethics, or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• You have a demonstrable interest in biology and medicine.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You are acquainted with empirical research methods, specifically qualitative research.
• You enjoy working in a team.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed once for another two-year period.
• The planned start date is 1 October 2021 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will do most of your work at Stadscampus in a dynamic and stimulating working environment in the centre of Antwerp, but also in close connection with SynBio research teams in different Flemish universities.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

 Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 9 August 2021 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter and your academic CV.
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. We will then select three or four candidates for an online interview. If you are selected for an interview in the first two weeks of September, we will ask you to send us a writing sample.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Kristien Hens, research professor, kristien.hens@uantwerpen.be .

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.