Project:

The Institute for Biomedical Ethics (IBMB) at the University of Basel (http://ibmb.unibas.ch/), is dedicated to research and teaching of biomedical ethics at the Medical and Science Faculties. We are currently looking for a dynamic and independent graduate student (Master’s degree) or physician who is interested in carrying out their PhD work in empirical bioethics. The PhD position is part of an exciting research project on the ethical and social implications of new plant breeding technologies funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation as part of the National Research Program NRP84. The project draws from a planetary health ethics approach to investigate ethical and social aspects related to the social and political (non-)acceptance of genetically modified food. It has empirical parts (systematic review of reasons, content analysis of public debates in Switzerland and the US, stakeholder interview study, survey) and an ethical analysis part mapping trade-offs and arguments based on the available literature and the empirical findings. The project is practice oriented and includes rich implementation activities with various stakeholders, including politicians, farmers, food industry, NGOs, and scientists from plant biology and public health. The PhD candidate with closely collaborate with a Postdoc working on the project.
Starting date/length of PhD program: At the earliest 1.4.2025; not later than 1.8.2025; duration: 3 years

Your tasks:

• Conducting a systematic review of reasons
• Conducting content analysis of public debates
• Conducting and analyzing qualitative stakeholder interviews
• Continuing your education/training (depending on the applicant’s background, e.g., taking courses on research methods, in moral philosophy/ethics or in plant biology)
• Mentoring research assistants, supervising students and reviewing their contributions
• Documenting and presenting research findings in English
• Taking responsibility for various organizational processes at the IBMB

Your qualifications:

• Master’s degree in ethics, philosophy, bioethics, public health, social sciences (e.g. political sciences, STS, anthropology, etc.), medicine, or other related fields.
• Very good Master’s and Bachelor’s academic grades.
• Excellent language skills in English.
• Willingness to contribute towards an empirical project.
• Ability to speak and understand Italian (highly desired: German and Italian).
• Excellent knowledge of empirical research methods.
• High level of commitment, intrinsic motivation, enthusiasm, and responsibility.
• You wish to be an integral part of an international team and contribute to its success.
• Your long term goal is an academic career.
• You have strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.

We offer:

• Possibility to do research in a multi- and transdisciplinary environment
• Enrolment in a Swiss Bologna accredited PhD Program in Bioethics and Health Policy at one of the leading research universities in Europe
• An attractive salary and well-equipped working environment
• Possibility to apply for additional funding at the Swiss National Science Foundation (e.g. Gender Equality Grant for women)
• Positive and productive working atmosphere in which you can develop yourself and realize your potential within a dedicated team that enjoys collaborating on various projects
• Empirical methods courses to successfully conduct your PhD Project
• You will also have the possibility to contribute to the academic life at the IBMB, including contributions to teaching, collaboration in other research projects and academic publications in scientific journals.

Environment:

The University of Basel is the oldest Swiss university with a long tradition in ethics and the humanities and is committed to diversity, equal opportunities and family-friendliness. It has a long-standing reputation in outstanding research and teaching. Its doctoral candidates 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 departments of leading life science companies. Basel is a multicultural city and ranks among the best in terms of quality of life.

Applications:

must be in English, in a single PDF file (file name: last name, first name):

1. motivation letter (max. 1 page, font 11)
2. detailed CV, including an overview of study results (grades), title of your master thesis, contact information of (at least) two (academic) referees
3. PDF of the master thesis

sent to Dr Bettina Zimmermann and Prof. Bernice Elger with email subject “PhD New Plant Breeding Technologies” by 28 February 2025.

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