PhD: Fostering mutual learning between science and society in nanomedicine

Are you passionate about understanding how new technologies, like nanomedicine, could be embedded in society? Do you want to contribute to studying potential societal, ethical and operational trade-offs when developing technologies? Then this opportunity at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development is for you. Your job Nanomedicine has the potential to substantially improve diagnostics and treatment, e.g. regarding rare diseases or cancer. Yet, nanomedicine also presents a wide array of societal, ethical and operational challenges, including fear of unforeseen side effects, concerns about human enhancement, unequal access to care, and the need to develop new roles, responsibilities, norms and values about e.g. what good care, autonomy and quality of life means. Users of new technologies do not always share underlying assumptions and problem definitions with scientists regarding the added value of new technologies. Alignment is needed to create a societally robust development and use of nanomedicine, i.e., technologies that are accepted by scientists as well citizens, patients and clinicians. Therefore, the overall objective of this PhD project is to empirically investigate the needs, assumptions and values of different stakeholders and include these into ongoing decision-making processes regarding the design, development and implementation of nanomedicine. Considering that nanomedicine is still under development, societal and ethical issues and concerns are not just ‘out there’, but emerge in relation to concrete scientific and technological developments and their related considerations. Therefore, this PhD project applies the methodology of Constructive Technology Assessment (CTA), requiring you to work closely together with researchers and experts developing new technologies. With the help of participatory observations in laboratories, in-depth interviews, literature studies and document analysis, you will identify emerging ethical and societal implications of the convergence of nanomedicine with cancer and gene therapies. As a PhD candidate you will become embedded in a larger project on nanomedicine (NanoMedNL), and collaborate closely with a postdoctoral researchers and a wide range of interesting stakeholders, including technology developers, clinicians, patient groups, NEMO, the Rathenau Institute, and a science theater maker. You will also be involved in exciting scientific communities on innovation and technology assessment. Your qualities You are a motivated and goal-oriented researcher who would like to work in an inter- and transdisciplinary research environment. Specifically, you bring the following:

• You have a successfully completed Master’s degree. Relevant disciplines include (but are not limited to) science and technology studies (STS), transition studies, innovation studies, and sociology.
• You are interested in societal embedding of emerging technologies.
• You have an affinity with in-depth social science research and innovative methodologies with a mixed-methods or qualitative focus.
• You have an affinity and experience with engagement and communication of scientific research to wider audiences.
• You have a pro-active, hands-on attitude, also in collaborations with societal stakeholders and scientists from other disciplines.
• You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team, and can showcase a critical attitude, intellectual independence, and good organizational skills.
• You are interested in collaborating with societal partners as part the research project.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in Dutch and English.

Our offer We offer:

• a temporary position (0.8 - 1.0 FTE), initially for one year with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
• a working week of 32 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University. About us A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes under the banner of Sharing science, shaping tomorrow. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. You can watch the Utrecht University Campus Tour to get an impression of our university.

The city of Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a charming old centre and an internationally oriented culture that is strongly influenced by its century-old university. Utrecht has been consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the Netherlands.

Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences studies the earth, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff members, the Faculty of Geosciences is a strong and challenging organisation. The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development is part of the Faculty of Geosciences. The institute investigates and develops processes and opportunities for innovative change towards sustainability. More information For more information about this position, please contact Prof Wouter Boon at w.p.c.boon@uu.nl or Dr Lotte Krabbenborg at lotte.krabbenborg@ru.nl. The project will be supervised by Prof Wouter Boon and Dr Lotte Krabbenborg (Institute for Science in Society, Radboud University). Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University. Apply now As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute. Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. To apply, please send us the following documents via the 'apply now' button:

• Your curriculum vitae (CV), including appendixes with grade transcripts for your Bachelor’s and Master’s programme, and the names and contact details of 2-3 references;
• A motivation letter of no more than two A4 pages explaining your interest and suitability for the position.

The first round of interviews will be held on June 25 and 26 (online). The second round of interviews is on July 6. If you have an international (non-Dutch) Master’s diploma, you will be requested to provide your Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas as well as the corresponding grade lists (in English) if you are selected for this position. Note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. This will be arranged with help of the International Service Desk (ISD) of our university. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. Unfortunately, we must warn that it is a tight market at the moment. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.