PhD Opportunity in Biomedical Ethics (Animal Ethics Think-3R)

The Institute for Biomedical Ethics at the University of Basel (IBMB), Switzerland (http://ibmb.unibas.ch/ ), is dedi-cated to research and teaching of biomedical ethics at the Medical and Science Faculties. We are currently looking for dynamic and independent graduate students (Master's degree) or medical/veterinary students who are interested in carrying out their PhD work in biomedical ethics. The projects for which we have funding focus on ethical issues related to animal ethics:
Project NRP79: 3R-sTrategies and Harm-benefIt analysis: uNderstanding decision-maKing and improving con-sistency and accountability in animal experiment evaluations in Switzerland [THINK-3R]

Background: The law requires scientists to argue that the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement) have been maximized, i.e. that the same benefits could not have been achieved with lower impact on animal welfare. Inter-national studies show considerable inconsistency as to how Animal Ethics Commissions and their individual members evaluate animal protocols. As long as inconsistencies remain poorly understood and opaque, they can be a source of decreased confidence of society in the decision-making process. This project uses a mixed meth-ods approach combining quantitative and qualitative studies to identify strategies designed to improve con-sistency of research project evaluations and to understand factors that influence decision making.

Position Available starting: Fall 2022
Length of PhD Program: 3 years (full-time)
PhD Salary: In accordance with SNSF doctoral salary guideline

• Master's degree in animal ethics, bioethics, philosophy, life sciences, medicine, psychology, and other related fields.
• Excellent language skills in English.
• Ability to speak and understand German or French is highly desirable.
• Willingness to contribute towards an empirical project.
• Outstanding Master's and Bachelor's academic grades.
• Enthusiasm, responsibility and interest in an academic career.
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research design is desirable.

• Enrolment in a Swiss Bologna accredited PhD Program in Bioethics, Health Policy and Legal medicine.
• Student will complete empirical methods courses as part of the PhD Program in order to successfully conduct their PhD Project.
• Student will have the opportunity to engage in a cutting-edge topic of ethics and science.
• Student will also have the possibility to contribute to the academic life at the IBMB, including contribu-tions to teaching, as well as collaboration in other research projects and academic publications in peer reviewed journals.

Environment: The University of Basel is the oldest Swiss university with a long tradition in ethics and the humani-ties. It has a long-standing reputation in outstanding research and teaching. Doctoral candidates at the University come from many international countries providing a vibrant and rich community. More information about the University is available at the following website: https://www.unibas.ch/en/University/About-University.html . The city of Basel is a global centre for biomedical research with major academic institutions and research depart-ments of leading life science companies. Basel is a multicultural city and ranks among the best in terms of quality of life.

Application / Contact
Applications must be submitted in English and should include in a single PDF file: (1) A detailed CV, including an overview of study results (grades), the title of your master thesis, contact information of (at least) two (academ-ic) referees, and a PDF-file of the master thesis; (2) A motivation letter (maximum two pages, double-spaced, font 12), specifying your interests in the topic and PhD at Basel.
Applications for the project should be sent via email directly to Dr. David Shaw (david.shaw@unibas.ch ) and Prof. B. Elger (b.elger@unibas.ch ) with email subject “THINK-3R" by July 15th 2022.