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