Assistant Professor in Bioethics (EXPIRED)

Job Description

Utrecht University offers an Assistant Professor position in Practical Philosophy, with a specialization in bio-ethics, particularly in the following fields: health care ethics, reproductive ethics, disability ethics, environmental ethics, biomedical ethics, neuroethics, pharmaceutical ethics or public health ethics. TThe position is situated within the Ethics Institute, which is a part of the Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies. 

The Assistant Professor‘s teaching time will be spent primarily in the MA programme in Applied Ethics, the BA programme in Philosophy, and in-service teaching in other faculties (such as Biology and Pharmacy the new minor in Medical Humanities). Much of this teaching is in Dutch. The Master Applied Ethics is a one-year programme that attracts students from a wide variety of disciplines who are interested in ethical issues in fields of e.g. biomedical ethics, sustainability, economic and business ethics. In addition to teaching courses in these programmes, the Assistant Professor will also be involved in internship and thesis coaching, tutoring of students, and take management responsibilities (such as membership in an Exam committee or Education Committee). The BA programme in Philosophy offers a broad introduction to philosophy, of which practical philosophy composes a substantial part. In-service teaching is offered at the request of other faculties, and often involves short lectures or seminars embedded in courses in e.g. pharmacy, biomedical sciences, and biology.
 
A new initiative between the Humanities and Medicine resulted in a minor Medical Humanities that will start 2020-2021. The Assistant Professor’s research profile should be within the field of bioethics, broadly conceived. By way of illustration, this may involve research on genetics, bioengineering, disability, enhancement, end-of-life debates, medical/health technology, or public health.

An interdisciplinary approach, connecting philosophical theory to theories/findings of other disciplines in the social sciences and humanities, is highly valued. The successful candidate’s research specialization will facilitate collaborations within one or more of the Utrecht University’s research focus areas, such as One Health (https://www.uu.nl/en/research/life-sciences/research/one-health), Institutions for Open Societies,  (https://www.uu.nl/en/research/institutions-for-open-societies), Professional Performance (https://www.uu.nl/en/research/professional-performance), or Pathways to Sustainability (https://www.uu.nl/en/research/sustainability/research). An interest in participating in the new inter-university “Gravitation” programme on Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies (https://www.esdt.nl/research-lines-esdt/) would be particularly welcome.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have:

• a doctorate in Philosophy or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment;
• a demonstrable general knowledge of the field of bioethics;
• a research specialization within this field (see above), as evidenced by a realistic medium-term research plan, aiming for publications in leading journals, with potential for attracting/securing external research funding;
• a record (appropriate to career stage) of publications that demonstrates the ability to conduct research which is internationally recognized as meeting the standards of the field;
• an interdisciplinary attitude: the willingness and abilities to contribute to the development of interdisciplinary teaching and research, particularly in the research focus areas described above;
• an open and enthusiastic attitude: the willingness and abilities to contribute actively to the formation of learning communities of staff and students;
• some experience with teaching in undergraduate and/or graduate (BA and/or MA) programmes, preferably in the field of bioethics. A university teaching qualification (BKO) is desired but not required. In case the candidate does not have one, he/she will be expected to follow the procedure for obtaining the qualification within one year of appointment;
• a willingness and ability to connect to social/professional practices and public debates; and a proven ability to engage with international developments and societal challenges reaching beyond borders;
• excellent communication and coordination/organization skills;
• excellent proficiency in spoken and written English;
• excellent proficiency in spoken and written Dutch is a strong asset. Candidates must be able to teach in Dutch after one year (language courses are available);
• The Ethics Institute encourages applications from women, scholars with disabilities, scholars from minority backgrounds, and other persons from groups that are currently underrepresented in philosophy.

Offer

This is an appointment (1.0 FTE) for the duration of two years, starting 1 September 2020. Upon satisfactory performance in the two-year probationary period, this position will become a permanent appointment. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €3,475 and €4,757 (scale 10-11 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including attractive retirement scheme and (partly paid) parental leave. For more information visit Working at Utrecht University.

About the organisation

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.
 
The Faculty of Humanities has around 6,000 students and 900 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city center of Utrecht, where the Faculty is housed, contribute to an inspiring working environment.