Fully funded 4-year PhD position (KU Leuven/UAntwerp)
We
are looking for a PhD candidate to conduct research on a project
recently funded by the Research Fund Flanders (FWO), titled “The
Professionalization of Science: Analysis and Normative Implications”.
While
the topic of the project seems very specific, it in fact concerns
science & values in the broadest sense, and is situated at
the intersection between philosophy of science and applied ethics.
Apply via the following link:
: https://www.kuleuven.be/
Short description of the project
In
the past two decades, the realization has grown that the phenomenon of
scientific misconduct is not limited to a few ill-intentioned
scientists – the proverbial ‘rotten apples’. It is now clear that there
are also structural causes, and hence that scientific misconduct is
intertwined with ‘questionable research practices’ and sloppy science.
In
response, many of the policy changes have followed a textbook example
of professionalization: there has been a big push for researchers
to adhere to a code of conduct, and for integrity boards reviewing
alleged infractions of the code.
Yet
what does professionalization precisely mean? Is it appropriate to
impose a model of professional self-regulation, similar to
that in medicine or law, on scientific research?
In
this project we aim at understanding what precisely professionalization
and professionalism are, and to what extent they are appropriate
for scientific research.
Job description
You
will conduct PhD research under the supervision of Professors
Kris Dierickx
and Hugh Desmond.
You will be based at
the Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law
at the KU Leuven, an interdisciplinary centre that performs research on ethical and societal issues.
For those wishing to do so, there is a possibility that the PhD is set up as a joint-PhD between the
Centre for Biomedical Ethics at KU Leuven (lead-university) and the
Department of Philosophy
at the University of Antwerp.
Your profile
- Strong interest in the ethical and social aspects of scientific research;
- A masters degree in a relevant discipline: philosophy (of science), applied ethics, history (of science), sociology or a relevant social science, theology, law;
- An outstanding record of undergraduate and master's degree work;
- Some formal education in a science will be considered a plus;
- Fluency in English, both written and orally;
- Strong writing and analytical skills;
- Good communication and organization skills;
- Ability to meet deadlines and complete a PhD thesis within the defined project time;
- Capacity to work both as an independent researcher and as part of a team;
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary context.
Please direct informal inquiries to:
Kris Dierickx
Hugh Desmond
Following should be included in your application:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Sample of written work: a paper or master’s thesis
- Contact details of two references
Timeline
Deadline for applications: July 31st, 2020
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, to be held in the second half of August.
These may be conducted in person or via Skype.
Starting date of PhD:
between September 1st and December 31st, 2020