2 PhD-positions on the interdisciplinary project NANOTRUST-Ethical conditions for a socially robust use of nanobiotechnology in aquaculture

12.06.2007

Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Philosophy and the Norwegian Institute of Gene Ecology

2 PhD-positions on the interdisciplinary project
NANOTRUST - Ethical conditions for a socially robust use of nanobiotechnology in aquaculture


Department of Philosophy, NTNU in Trondheim and the Norwegian Institute of Gene Ecology (GenØk) in Tromsø invites applications for 2 PhD positions.

The positions are for a period of three years, starting October 1, 2007. One position will be situated at GenØk, and applicants should hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, pharmacy or science & technology studies. The other position will be situated at the Department of Philosophy, NTNU and applicants should hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in philosophy, science & technology studies, sociology, political science or anthropology.

The project focuses on the scientific framing of the risks, social values and expectations of nanotechnology, using nanoparticles for delivery of vaccines and therapeutics in fish farming as our primary case study. The project consists of four interconnected questions:

1. What are identified as the potential benefits, risks and scientific uncertainties?
The purpose is to identify uncertainties and make methodological contributions to the field of uncertainty assessment.
2. How do the scientists conceptualise their activity?
The purpose is to investigate how risky, controversial and recourse demanding fields like nanotechnology is temporally shaped and conceptualised in a technological and social setting.
3. What kind of transparency is required with nanotechnology?
The purpose is to analyse and evaluate various models, as well as ethical justifications, for public engagement.
4. How do we foster a trust-based relation between nanoscience and society?

Complete project description is available at http://www.anvendtetikk.ntnu.no/pres/Nanotrustfinal.pdf

Applicants for the position at GenØk should develop a 3-page project description under research question 1, and applicants for the position at NTNU should develop a 3-page project description under research questions 2 and 3. The description should include hypothesis, goals, scientific methodology and theory.

Applications must also include a CV with information about education, degrees and previous experience, including the names of possible referees. Certified copies of testimonies and documents must be attached.

Note that three copies of each of the above mentioned documents should be enclosed.

The PhD positions are remunerated according to salary level 43 in the national salary scheme, gross NOK 325 600 per annum, of which 2 % is deducted for the State Pension scheme.

Successful applicants for the PhD positions should apply for acceptance to the relevant PhD-programme.

Appointments will be made in accordance with the current regulations in universities. The successful applicants must agree to conditions that apply to public employees. A contract will be drawn up regarding the period of appointment and work-related duties for position holders. Primary residency in Tromsø and Trondheim respectively is a prerequisite.

It is a major political objective to achieve a balance of age and gender in the national labour force and to recruit persons with culturally diverse backgrounds. Persons with minority background are encouraged to apply. NTNU and GenØk want to increase the proportion of women in its scientific posts. Women are encouraged to apply.

For information about the position at GenØk contact:
Anne Ingeborg Myhr, tel. +47 77 64 46 42, Anne.I.Myhr@fagmed.uit.no

For information about the position at NTNU contact:
Bjørn K. Myskja, tel. +47 73 59 09 51, bjorn.myskja@hf.ntnu.no

Applications should be sent to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Arts, NTNU, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway by June 29, 2007. The file number for the positions (HF-296) must be clearly stated on the application.