The PhD candidate will perform research as part of the research project T-TRIPP: Tools for Translation of Risk research into Policies and Practices. The project is a collaboration with the Rathenau Instituut and the serious gaming department of Delft University of Technology. The PhD student will be supervised by Prof. Ibo van de Poel in the Philosophy Department and Dr. Lotte Asveld in the Biotechnology Department. A complete description of the project can be requested.
The PhD candidate is expected to develop a safe-by-design approach for newly emerging biotechnologies. Such an approach implies that safety considerations are already included from the start in the R&D and design process of new technologies. The question addressed in this project is how such an approach might be applied to biotechnology, what kind of institutional measures support safety-by-design, and what this approach implies for allocation of responsibility and the autonomy of professionals.
The candidate will participate in the PhD programme of the 4TU Centre for Ethics and Technology. The candidate will also be involved in the Biotechnology Department's teaching.

Applicants should have the following qualifications:
• A Master degree in philosophy or a relevant socio-scientific discipline, such as STS (science and technology studies) or management of technology.
• A demonstrable interest in applied ethics and in technology. It is recommended that the candidate has experience in carrying out empirical research and has a strong interest in biotechnology.
• Good analytical and reasoning skills, as demonstrated by, for example, a master thesis.
• Willingness and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to present his or her ideas clearly including to people with a different disciplinary background.
• Good command of both written and spoken English.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers child care and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit graduateschool.tudelft.nl/ for more information.

For more information about this position, please contact Lotte Asveld, phone: +31 (0)15-2786691, e-mail: l.asveld@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV along with a letter of application by 15 October 2017 to Anka Montanus, a.m.montanus@tudelft.nl.
When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number TNWBT17-049.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (the TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. The TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At the TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. The TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

http://www.tudelft.nl

Applied Sciences

The Department of Biotechnology concentrates on the multidisciplinary fields of biocatalysis, metabolic engineering, fermentation technology, environmental biotechnology, bioprocess technology, and the role of biotechnology in society. The department is closely related to the BE-Basic Foundation, an international programme on biobased sustainability for industrial production of chemicals.

The Biotechnology and Society (BTS) section performs leading research on understanding societal and sustainability aspects and translating this into responsible innovation and communication of biotechnology for sustainable development. The group is uniquely positioned in the Department of Biotechnology and is a leader in (inter)national programmes with academic partners, industry and government. The team consists of one full Professor (Patricia Osseweijer), two Assistant Professors (John Posada and Lotte Asveld), and a growing number of PhD candidates and MSc students.