PhD Opportunity in Psychology and Biomedical Ethics

(100%)

The Faculty of Psychology and the Institute for Biomedical Ethics at the University of Basel (IBMB), Switzerland, are starting a collaboration in Animal Ethics. The IBMB (http://ibmb.unibas.ch/ ), is dedicated 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 ethics and psychology. The project focus is on ethical issues related to animal ethics:
Project NRP79: 3R-sTrategies and HarmbenefIt analysis: uNderstanding decision-maKing and improving consistency and accountability in animal experiment evaluations in Switzerland [THINK-3R]
Background: The law requires scientists to argue that the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refine-ment) have been maximized, i.e. that the same benefits could not have been achieved with lower impact on animal welfare. International 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 methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative studies to identify strategies designed to improve consistency of research project evaluations and to understand factors that influence decision making.

Ihr Profil

• Master's degree in animal ethics, bioethics, philosophy, life sciences, medicine, psy-chology, 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.

Wir bieten Ihnen

• 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 sci-ence.
• Student will also have the possibility to contribute to the academic life at the IBMB, in-cluding contributions to teaching, as well as collaboration in other research projects and academic publications in peer reviewed journals.

Bewerbung / Kontakt
The University of Basel is the oldest Swiss university with a long tradition in ethics and the hu-manities. 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 web-site: 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 departments of leading life science companies. Basel is a multicultural city and ranks among the best in terms of quality of life.
Applications: 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 (academic) 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 Prof. Dr. Jens Gaab ([email protected] ), Dr. David Shaw ([email protected] ) and Prof. B. Elger ([email protected] ) with email subject “THINK-3R” by July 15th 2022.
The University of Basel is committed to equal opportunities. If applicants have the same qualifications and suit the job profile, applications from women will be given preference.
Position Available starting: Fall 2022
Length of PhD Program: 3 years (full-time)
PhD Salary: In accordance with SNSF doctoral salary guideline
www.unibas.ch