This project is part of the PSIDER Pluripotent Stem cells for Inherited Diseases and Embryonic Research (PSIDER) project “Cardiomyopathies” funded by ZonMw. Our Department participates in three PSIDER projects. You will intensively collaborate with the other ethicists in our Department involved in the PSIDER-projects as well as within the researchers in the PSIDER Cardiomyopathy consortium. The aim of PSIDER Cardiomyopathies is by means of  prime editing to further develop a cure for the most pathogenic inherited cardiomyopathies associated with Phospholamban (PLN) and Lamin A (LMNA) mutations. These mutations cause severe disease in an important patient population in Europe, with PLN disease in particular highly prevalent in the Netherlands. This project will be heavily embedded within society and in continuous communication with stakeholders including the general public. Part of the ethical work package will be formal scientific research (analysis and evaluation as well as literature reviews and interviews) as well as informal research by means of a documentary trilogy for which the ethics Work Package will provide input. You will publish your results in the form of articles. The research tasks will take 40% of your time. The other part of your time will be spent on teaching activities, participation in the Research Ethics Committee Utrecht (METC Utrecht), participation in other ethical committees such as the Hospital Ethics Committee and participating in research and support tasks for the team Medical Humanities and/or the Julius Center, such as the lead of a journal club or ethics consultancy tasks.

As the ideal candidate for this position, you recently graduated with a PhD in Bioethics, Medical Humanities, Philosophy, Law or Life Sciences. You have a demonstrable track record in research related to research ethics and/or the ethics of biomedical innovation. You are able to perform academic, empirical-ethical research. Experience with qualitative research is a must as well as experience with ethical conceptual analyses. You qualify for participation in the Research Ethics Committee as determined by the CCMO criteria. You thrive in an international, multidisciplinary environment, can work well independently, are capable of communicating effectively, have excellent didactic, written and verbal English skills. You are willing to obtain these skills in Dutch within two years after the start of the project. Candidates who are fluent in Dutch may be prioritized when they are immediately eligible to participate in teaching activities and committee work.

Salary is based on qualifications, relevant workexperience and education.

The maximum salary for this position (22 - 29 hours) is € 5.383,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.

In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).

Department of Medical Humanities

You will be appointed at the Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care of the UMC Utrecht. Our Department consists of the disciplines medical ethics, medical history, health law, and medical arts. We are a team of two full professors, two associate and four assistant professors, and more than 15 PhD students. We participate in various research projects, in teaching and (international) advisory boards and committees. Your supervisor will be dr. Rieke van der Graaf, associate professor Research Ethics. You will supervise a PhD student.