Vacancy: Post. Doc.

30.09.2008

1 post-doc. position on the interdisciplinary project NANOTRUST - Ethical conditions for a socially robust use of nanobiotechnology in aquaculture

Department of Philosophy, NTNU in Trondheim and the Genøk- Centre of Biosafety in Tromsø invite application for a post-doc. position.

The position is for a period of two years, starting November 1, 2008. The position will be situated at GenØk, and applicants should hold a Ph.D. in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, pharmacy, bioethics or science & technology studies.

The project focuses on the scientific framing of the risks, social values and expectations of nanotechnology, using nanoparticles for delivery of vaccines and therapeutics in fish farming as our primary case study. The project consists of four interconnected questions:

1. What are identified as the potential benefits, risks and scientific uncertainties?
The purpose is to identify uncertainties and make methodological contributions to the field of uncertainty assessment.
2. How do the scientists conceptualise their activity?
The purpose is to investigate how risky, controversial and recourse demanding fields like nanotechnology is temporally shaped and conceptualised in a technological and social setting.
3. What kind of transparency is required with nanotechnology?
The purpose is to analyse and evaluate various models, as well as ethical justifications, for public engagement.
4. How do we foster a trust-based relation between nanoscience and society?

Complete project description is available at http://www.anvendtetikk.ntnu.no/pres/Nanotrustfinal.pdf

Applicants should develop a maximum 3-page project description under research question 1.

Applications must also include a CV with information about education, degrees and previous experience, including the names of possible referees. Certified copies of testimonies and documents must be attached.

Note that three copies of each of the above mentioned documents should be enclosed.

The position is remunerated according to salary level 57 in the national salary scheme, gross NOK 435 700 per annum, of which 2 % is deducted for the State Pension scheme.

Appointments will be made in accordance with the current regulations in universities. The successful applicant must agree to conditions that apply to public employees. A contract will be drawn up regarding the period of appointment and work-related duties. Primary residency in Tromsø is a prerequisite.

It is a major political objective to achieve a balance of age and gender in the national labour force and to recruit persons with culturally diverse backgrounds. Persons with minority background are encouraged to apply. GenØk want to increase the proportion of women in its scientific posts. Women are encouraged to apply.

For information about the position contact:
Anne Ingeborg Myhr, tel. +47 77 64 46 42, Anne.I.Myhr@fagmed.uit.no

Applications should be sent to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Arts, NTNU, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway by 17 October 2008. The file number for the positions (HF-338) must be clearly stated on the application.