PhD Candidate Ethics of Regenerative Medicine (DRIVE-RM)

Are you interested in exploring the ethical side of cutting-edge medical innovation? Join us in shaping the future of Regenerative Medicine (RM) — a field that uses the body’s natural ability to repair and restore damaged tissues and develops novel therapeutic benefits for humans.

Regenerative Medicine holds great promise to improve the lives of people with chronic illnesses and help our ageing population stay healthier for longer — all while aiming to keep healthcare affordable. These promising developments are paired with ethical and societal questions:

• When is the right time to start testing new treatments in humans?
• How do we make sure these innovations are safe, fair, and truly valuable to society?
• Which patient groups should be involved, and how can we avoid increasing inequality or bias?

As a PhD candidate, you will explore these ethical and social challenges through both empirical and theoretical research. Your work will help ensure that RM is not only innovative, but also responsible and inclusive.

You will be part of a Dutch research consortium that brings together scientists, clinicians, and experts from many disciplines. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the most transformative areas in medicine — with real-world impact.

You will write a PhD thesis (based on scientific publications) and follow courses at the Graduate School of Life Sciences and/or Philosophy. You will also teach Bioethics and Medical Humanities courses at the Faculty of Medicine.

You have a master's degree in (bio)ethics, philosophy, health sciences, medical sociology, medical anthropology or science and technology studies. While a background in (bio)medical sciences is not required, you are eager to delve into the world of biomedical innovation. You are excited about working at the crossroads of ethics and regenerative medicine. You are able to conduct academic ethics research. Experience with qualitative research methods such as interviewing, conducting focus groups, and (ethnographic) observation is highly valued. You have fluent oral and written skills in English and Dutch.

Please include in your application: a motivation letter in which you explain your interest in the position, Curriculum Vitae and when applicable, an overview of past and current research and teaching activities. The deadline for submission is July 2nd 2025. Interviews will take place on July 14th 2025. Starting date: October 1st, 2025. The appointment will be for a total of 48 months. The initial appointment will be for a period of 12 months, which will be extended upon a positive evaluation.

The maximum salary for this position (32 - 36 hours) is € 3.939,00 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).

Our interdisciplinary department Bioethics & Health Humanities is comprised of several professors, associate and assistant professors and PhD students working on a variety of topics in the intersecting fields of bioethics, innovation of biotechnology, history of medicine, narrative medicine, health law, and patient and public involvement. As an embedded member of our department you will also be involved with shared activities pertaining to teaching, research and professional training. For this position specifically, we will closely collaborate with the Health Economics Department of the Julius Center.