PhD position: Global genes, local concerns (EXPIRED)

PhD position in philosophy as part of the cross-disciplinary research project Global genes, local concerns: Legal, ethical and scientific challenges in cross-national biobanking and translational exploitation

The Department of Media, Cognition and Communication, Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, invites applications for a PhD position in philosophy. The position is part of the research project Global genes, local concerns: Legal, ethical and scientific challenges in cross-national biobanking and translational exploitation which is funded by the University of Copenhagen’s Excellence Programme for Interdisciplinary Research. The project is a cross-disciplinary research project with Professor Jens Schovsbo as principal investigator. The candidate will be assigned to WP5: Ethical Framework in the project (see below) and work under the supervision of Klemens Kappel and in collaboration with Peter Sandøe and Morten EJ Nielsen. The candidate will be affiliated with the philosophy section at the Department of Media, Cognition, and Communication, but is expected to participate actively in the cross-disciplinary research environment set up around the project. Empirical work in DK as well as Pakistan is expected.

Job content

The aim of WP5 is to address certain specific ethical challenges arising from biobanks operating across boundaries of diverse ethical norms and values. The focus will be on the collection of samples planned in Pakistan, and the specific ethical challenges that this will generate for various stakeholders. We will focus especially on areas where no guidelines exist, or where there is a culturally dependent plurality of interpretations of guidelines. We expect to find such diversities regarding the interpretation of the requirements of informed consent and in norms regarding how potential benefits of biobanks should be used. In addition, there are likely to be issues about stigmatization of vulnerable populations, gender and group identities. The research process will comprise: (1) An initial literature review, (2) Initial stakeholder analysis, (3) will be to analyze the theoretical and practical feasibility of ethical strategies for biobanks operating across ethical boundaries. (4) In parallel with data collection process in Pakistan planned in WP2, we will initiate an additional case study of ethical problems and challenges encountered in that process (5) Finally, there will be a synthesizing analysis of selected ethical challenges and proposed solutions. The analysis will feed into a proposal for guidelines for good governance of biobanks operating across ethical and legal cultural boundaries that is to be drafted in WP6.

The application should include a proposal outlining the overall aims and methodology of the PhD project as well as a time-plan. Follow the link for more information.

The successful applicant must be able to take up the position no later than September 1, 2013.

Deadline for application: May 28, 2013

For further information, including access to the entire project proposal, please contact the principal co-investigator, Klemens Kappel, kappel[at]hum.ku.dk