2 Postdocs in ‘patient involvement in translational molecular medicine’ project
The Department of Philosophy of the University Twente and the Department of Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine of IQ healthcare (Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre) are about to start a joint research project entitled ‘Exploring possibilities for patient involvement in translational molecular medicine: dialogue as a means to enhance ethical reflection’. For this project we are searching for two postdoc researchers. The two year-project is part of the research programme of the Centre for Society and Genomics (CSG) and is funded by the Netherlands Genomics Initiative (NGI) and the Centre for Translational Molecular Medicine (CTMM). It will investigate whether and how patient involvement in scientific research teams in translational molecular medicine may enhance ethical reflection among the partners in the project, and will thus be able to contribute to responsible innovation. In addition, it aims to develop an empirically and theoretically documented advice on the feasibility and the added value of patient involvement in translational research, in particular in the context of the Centre for Translational Molecular Medicine.
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 7 people, 8 PhD’s and 1 postdoc. The Department organizes the international master program Philosophy of Science and Technology in Society. In addition, it provides
courses in ethics and philosophy of science to many bachelor and master programs at the University of Twente.
The Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare of the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre is one of the largest research centres in the field of quality and safety of care in Europe. Research themes vary from the implementation of guidelines, the validation of indicators and measurement instruments, the evaluation of innovative models for integrated care to improving patient participation in the care process. Research in most cases is multidisciplinary, focuses on the hospital as well as primary care and concerns both the actions of doctors as well as nurses and paramedics. The department of Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine has recently been added to the existing expertise.
(Department of Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine, IQ healthcare, Radboud
University Nijmegen Medical Centre)
Tasks
You will perform part of a literature survey on methods for ethical reflection among stakeholders during scientific research and technology development, as well as on patient involvement in clinical research. You will carry out a mixed methods empirical study of views on patient involvement among current partners in translational research projects (including a questionnaire, interviews as well as focus groups). In addition, you will perform one large case study on the potential role of patient involvement in translational research, in cooperation with an ongoing research project in translational medicine, using document analysis, interviews, observations and interactive workshops. You collect and analyze data and report the results on scientific conferences and in scientific and professional publications. You will co-organize two project workshops.
More information here.
(Department of Philosophy, University of Twente)
Tasks
You will perform part of a literature survey on methods for ethical reflection among stakeholders during scientific research and technology development, as well as on patient involvement in clinical research. In addition, you will perform two case studies on the potential role of patient involvement in translational research, in cooperation with two ongoing research projects in translational medicine, using document analysis, interviews, observations and interactive workshops. You collect and analyze data and report the results on scientific conferences and in scientific and professional publications. You will co-organize two project workshops.
Please send us your letter and Curriculum Vitae online. The link is http://www.utwente.nl/vacatures/ (look under postdoc positions).
Candidates for both positions should:
- have completed a PhD in Philosophy, 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
- have experience in performing research using various philosophical as well as empirical methods, such as literature research, discourse analysis, interviews, observations and interactive workshops; applicants for position 1 (Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen) should preferably have experience with questionnaires as well
- have an interest in biomedical technology and health care
- have good writing skills, both in Dutch and in English, as shown in a publication record
- have excellent communication skills in Dutch and English, in academic as well as non-academic contexts
- be able to work independently as well as to cooperate in a joint project
- candidates should be able to start from January 1, 2012
The project team, the Department of Philosophy of the University of Twente as well as the Department of Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine of IQ Healthcare in Nijmegen offer a stimulating academic environment, with ample opportunities for exchange and cooperation. As a postdoctoral researcher you will be appointed in a full-time position for a period of two years. Depending on the level of education and experience of the candidate salary will be in scale 10 or 11.
More information on the project and the two positions can be obtained from. dr. M. Boenink, tel. +31 (0) 53 489 3309, or from dr. S. van der Burg, +31 (0) 24 3610138, . The project description is available on request.
