The 3TU.Centre for Ethics and Technology in the Netherlands offers 3 PhD Positions in Ethics of Technology.

We are looking for three talented PhD students for projects in the areas of:

• Ethics of Technology (various areas) (Eindhoven University of Technology)
• Technology & Ethics (various areas) (Delft University of Technology)
• Ethics of Emerging Medical Technologies (University of Twente)

 Application Deadline:  June 10th, 2014

PhD in Ethics of Emerging Medical Technologies (University of Twente)

The aim of the PhD position is to perform advanced research in the area of ethics of medical technology. We welcome innovative, cutting-edge proposals on emerging medical technologies that raise serious ethical concerns, such as neurotechnologies, anti-ageing technologies, neuro-enhancement technologies, new assistive technologies, bioprinting, personalized medicine and others.  We also welcome theoretical contributions that should, however, include case studies and have clear societal relevance.

Profile: A Master’s degree or equivalent degree in philosophy, preferably with a specialization in ethics. Consideration will also be given to candidates with a medical, (bio) engineering or multidisciplinary Master’s degree on a topic relevant to the project and some background in philosophy. Demonstrable interest in ethical and philosophical issues relating to medical technology (although previous work in this area is not required).

PhD in Technology & Ethics (Delft University of Technology)

We welcome proposals for PhD projects that focus on ethical questions arising from the use of current technologies such as ethical issues arising in the context of energy supply and demand, ethical problems associated with the shift from a carbon-based economy to renewables, or ethical questions relating to privacy and ICT. We therefore welcome proposals that address questions related to one of these three topics or related issues.

Profile: A Master’s degree or equivalent degree in philosophy, preferably with a specialization in ethics, or a multidisciplinary Master’s degree on a topic relevant to the project, or a disciplinary Master in an technology-related field (science or engineering). Some background in philosophy is mandatory. Demonstrable interest in ethical and philosophical issues relating to the PhD project (although previous work in this area is not required). Familiarity with formal mathematical calculus is recommended.

PhD in Ethics of Technology (Eindhoven University of Technology)

We welcome proposals for PhD research in several areas of ethics of technology, including ethics and ICT (Big Data), ethics and medical technology, and ethics & epistemology of climate modelling. The PhD student is expected to do both supervised and unsupervised research, write a PhD thesis and research papers, and to participate in the 3TU.Ethics PhD program and the Dutch Research School of Philosophy.

Profile: Your prior studies and current interests prepare you to do research and write a thesis on ethical issues related to technology. Preferably you have a degree in philosophy and a specialization in ethics. PhD candidates with an additional background in one of the natural or engineering sciences are particularly invited to apply.

Requirements for all three positions

Good analytical skills. Good communication skills in English, in writing as well as orally.  Good team spirit. Strong international orientation. Creativity, open-mindedness, and an ability to develop new ideas.  Experience in interdisciplinary work is considered a plus. The PhD student is expected to participate in the 3TU.Ethics PhD program and the Dutch Research School of Philosophy. Up to 10% of the work may involve teaching, in courses offered by the Philosophy section.

Our offer 

The PhD programme is fully funded by the 3TU.Centre for Ethics and Technology. We offer you a four-year full-time Ph.D. position, starting September 1st, 2014. The gross salary is € 2083 per month in the first year going up to € 2664 in the fourth year. Additionally, the three universities provide excellent facilities for professional and personal development, a holiday allowance (amounts to 8% of the annual salary), an end-of-year bonus (amounts to 8,3%) and a number of additional benefits. The positions also come with a travel budget.

How to apply

Your application should contain the following documents:

•  a two-page research proposal for the PhD position
• a letter of application which explains your interest in the position and your qualifications for it
• a curriculum vitae which includes the name and e-mail address/telephone number of one of your professors, preferably the supervisor of your master’s thesis
• a copy of your Master’s thesis (and copies of publications, if any).  If you have not yet finished your master’s degree, please send an outline of your Master’s thesis, and evidence that the thesis will be defended before September 1st, 2014.
• an academic transcript that contains a list of subjects taken and grades received (this may be an unofficial version or scanned copy; we can request the original later).

Application process for PhD Ethics of Medical Technology, University of Twente

You can upload application here where you will find the corresponding vacancy; click on it, and you will get to see an upload link. Since this site only allows uploading of three documents, please combine documents into max. three files. For questions about the position, please contact Prof. Philip Brey via email or phone at +31 534894426.

Application process for PhD in Technology & Ethics, Delft University of Technology

Please send you application via email with the subject header “3TU PhD” to Dr. Rafaela Hillerbrand. You can also contact Dr. Rafaela Hillerbrand for further questions via email or phone at +31 152787470.

Application process for PhD in Ethics of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology

Please send your application via email with the subject header “3TU PhD” to Dr. Andreas Spahn. You can also contact Dr. Andreas Spahn for further questions via email or phone at +31 402472746.

Interviews will probably be held between June 17th and 19th.

For further clarifications on how to apply please contact the 3TU.Ethics Coordinator Dr. Agnieszka Hunka via email or phone at +31 534893401.

This vacancy text can be downloaded here.