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Saturday, June 13, 2009

2 PhD positions ‘Responsible Early Diagnostics for Alzheimer’s Disease’

University of Twente and University of Utrecht

The Department of Philosophy of the University Twente and the Department of Innovation and Environmental Sciences of the University of Utrecht are about to start a joint NWO-funded research project on ‘Responsible Early Diagnostics for Alzheimer’s Disease’. This project investigates how new molecular techniques for diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) can be responsibly developed. The project has two vacancies for PhD students.

The project focuses on the problem of scientific and clinical uncertainties, as well as on potential social and moral implications. The project is set up in close collaboration with biomedical researchers. Engagement of (future) stakeholders will be an important tool. The ultimate aim is to contribute to a responsible diagnostic practice for AD, as well as to develop a model for responsible innovation of diagnostic technology in general. The project has two vacancies for PhD students. One PhD position will be for a project on ’Responsible translation practices in the development of novel diagnostics for Alzheimer’s Disease’ within the department of Philosophy, University of Twente and the other PhD position for a project on ‘Social and cultural uncertainties in current diagnostic practice: towards responsible future Alzheimer’s Disease practices’ within the department of Innovations and Environmental Sciences, University of Utrecht

Tasks

a) PhD position for a project on ‘Responsible translation practices in the development of novel diagnostics for Alzheimer’s Disease’.
(m/f, fulltime, vacancynumber 09/123)
(department of Philosophy, University of Twente)

You will investigate the way scientific and clinical uncertainties are dealt with when scientific findings on molecular processes underlying Alzheimer’s Disease are translated into clinical practice. Existing criteria and procedures will be assessed and opened up for discussion by stakeholders in the Netherlands and the UK. The aim is to enhance the social and moral acceptability of translational medical research on AD diagnostics.

b) PhD position for a project on ‘Social and cultural uncertainties in current diagnostic practice: towards responsible future Alzheimer’s Disease practices’
(m/f, fulltime, vacancynumber GW/09/002)
(department of Innovations and Environmental Sciences, University of Utrecht)

You will investigate how to deal with uncertainties regarding the social and cultural implications of future AD diagnostics. To this end, vision assessment and stakeholder engagement (both in the Netherlands and in the USA) will be used a tools. The aim is to enhance the social and moral acceptability of innovations in AD diagnostic practices.

Profile

Candidates for both positions should:

  • have a master’s degree in Philosophy (specializing in philosophy or ethics of technology), Innovation Studies, Studies of Science and Technology (STS), or a comparable degree;
  • be familiar with the multidisciplinary field of philosophical and social scientific studies of technology, in particular of new and emerging technologies;
  • be willing to conduct research using various qualitative methods, such as literature research, discourse analysis, interviews, observations and interactive workshops;
  • have an interest in biomedical technology and health care;
  • have good writing skills, both in Dutch and in English;
  • have good communication skills in academic as well as non-academic contexts.
  • be motivated to work independently as well as cooperate in a joint project

Offer

The project team, the department of Philosophy of the University of Twente as well as the department of Innovations and Environmental Sciences at the University of Utrecht, offer a stimulating academic environment, with ample opportunities for exchange and cooperation

As a PhD candidate you will be appointed in a full-time position for a period of four years, at the end of which you must have completed your PhD thesis. The gross monthly salary for a PhD increases from € 2.042,00 in the first year to € 2.612,00 in the final year (in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). We provide a PhD educational programme within the research school WTMC (Netherlands Graduate School of Science, Technology and Modern Culture).

The organisation

The University of Twente is an entrepreneurial research university, located in Enschede, the Netherlands. Distributed over 5 faculties, the UT offers 20 educational programmes ranging from applied physics and public administration to communication studies and biomedical technology. Research takes place within the context of institutes and focuses, among other things, on nanotechnology, information and communication technology, biomedical technology, policy studies, human behaviour, and mechanics, processes and control. More than 7,500 students and 2,700 staff members live, work and recreate at the UT, the Netherlands’ only campus university.

The Faculty of Behavioural Sciences offers the following Bachelor programmes: Educational Science (OWK), Communication Studies (CW) and Psychology (PSY), the following Master programmes: Educational Science and Technology (EST), Philosophy of Science, Technology and Society (PSTS), Communication Studies (CS), Psychology (PSY) the Research Master Social Systems Evaluation & Survey Research and two Masters for Teachers. Most of the faculty’s research is carried out within the Institute for Behavioral Research (IBR), and focuses on the themes Health and Safety, Labor and Organization, Knowledge and Education and Communication and Media. Furthermore research is carried out within the Biomedical Institute (BMTI), Mesa+ and the Institute for Information and Communication Technology (CTIT).

The Department of Philosophy at the University of Twente has a long history of research in philosophy of technology, and has concentrated its research efforts exclusively in philosophy of technology since 1996. Its research, which was judged ‘excellent’ and ‘innovative’ by an international Research Evaluation Committee in 2006, includes philosophy and ethics of biomedical technology, philosophy and ethics of information and communication technology, technology ethics, philosophy of design and philosophy of engineering science. The philosophical research is often closely connected to or informed by empirical research on technological practices. The department has a staff of 8 people, 5 PhD’s and 3 postdocs. The Department organizes the international master program Philosophy of Science and Technology in Society (PSTS). In addition, it provides courses in ethics and philosophy of science to many bachelor and master programs at the University of Twente.

The Innovation Studies Group (ISG) within the Department of Innovation and Environmental Sciences of the University of Utrecht is a young dynamic group, that went through a rapid development over the last 10 years and meanwhile acquired a recognised position in the field of teaching and research in innovation. ISG has a staff of 13 people and 10 PhD’s and 2 Postdocs . ISG starts from a multi-disciplinary perspective and links insights from science (physics, chemistry, biotechnology) with social sciences (organisation theory, economics, innovation systems, technology dynamics, R&D management and policy analysis) in order to effectively capture the many folded character of innovation processes and systems. In its research and teaching, DIS distinguishes focal points on energy, mobility and life sciences topics. ISG runs the Master program Science and Innovation Management.

Information and application

More information on the project and the two positions can be obtained from mrs. dr. M. Boenink (tel.: 053 489 3309), e-mail: ). The research proposal is available on request.

Please send your application and Curriculum Vitae, preferably by e-mail, before July 1st to dr. ir. J.F.C. Verberne, managing director of the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences (e-mail: ), P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands, with reference to the above mentioned vacancy number.

Interviews for both positions are planned on July 6 and/or 7, 2009.