Research groups, MUMC+ & UM
The PhD student will primarily be hosted by the Biomedical Ethics group of Prof. Guido de Wert and Dr. Sanne van der Hout, at the Department of Health, Ethics & Society (HES), Maastricht University, and Dr. Masoud Zamani Esteki of Department of Clinical Genetics, laboratory of Cellular Genomic Medicine.

UT
The PhD student will be co-supervised by Prof. Kadri Simm and Prof. Andres Salumets.

Job description
Reproductive medicine is a highly dynamic field. Promising opportunities in female reproductive medicine (esp. prediction of ovarian/reproductive aging, enabling timely fertility preservation) and reproductive genetic testing, including preconception carrier screening, (non-invasive) preimplantation testing and broad-scope prenatal screening, are on the horizon. These innovations can, however, only be effectuated and responsibly implemented when the normative issues involved (linked with, amongst others, respect for autonomy, proportionality, and justice) are timely scrutinized, taking account of stakeholders’ views an attitudes. This project aims to contribute to the international ethical debate and to a robust and sustainable normative framework for developments in reproductive medicine. The methodology includes both conceptual and normative analysis, and qualitative research (especially focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders).

Your profile Background

• Completed research master in Philosophy or Applied Ethics.

Skills:

• A scientific mindset, critical thinking capacity and a strong interest ethical aspects of reproductive medicine;
• Proficiency in English is required;
• Excellent communication skills and the ability of working in a team;
• Ability to be independent and being initiative;
• Efficient, stress-resistant and able to respect deadlines;
• Experience with qualitative empirical research;
• Willing to take teaching duties (max 0.1 FTE) including supervision of Bachelor and Master students;
• Proficiency in Dutch or Estonian is a plus, but is not required

Our offer:

• A versatile and challenging PhD position in an international and interdisciplinary environment, with various opportunities to broaden your knowledge and expertise;
• Funding is available for a 3-4 year position according to the terms of employment of Maastricht University and University of Tartu;
• Starting Date: as soon as possible.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The full-time position is offered for four years (1+3), with a yearly evaluation. Your salary would be € 2.395,- gross per month in the first year up to € 3.061,- gross per month in the fourth year according to the PhD-candidate salary scale. On top of this, there is an 8% holiday and an 8.3% year-end allowance.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 20,000 students and 4,700 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

For information about the School ODB see:  https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/school-oncology-and-developmental-biology