Postdoctoral Scholar – Ethical and Social Aspects of Emerging Biomedical Technologies

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Bioethics & Humanities department to study ethical and social aspects of emerging biomedical technologies.

The successful candidate will work with Professor Amy Hinterberger on a Wellcome Trust-funded project, exploring governance, policy, and social implications of AI, genomics, stem cell science, and related biomedical research areas within the Science, Medicine, and Society Lab.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or foreign equivalent in the social sciences, humanities, sciences, public health, bioethics, science and technology studies, or a related field by the start date.
• Excellent analytical, planning, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to synthesize academic literature, policy documents, reports, and other complex materials clearly.
• Strong and demonstrated interest in the social, cultural, ethical, or political implications of science, medicine, and technology.
• Capacity to work independently on multiple projects by prioritizing, multitasking, and being flexible.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external collaborators.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team managing multiple deadlines and a high volume of activity.

Responsibilities

• Analyzing qualitative research data, including interview and documentary materials.
• Reviewing and synthesizing relevant scholarly literature.
• Collaborating with Professor Hinterberger on the preparation of scholarly articles and other research outputs.
• Contributing to reports, conference papers, presentations, and public-facing research materials.
• Assisting with the development of grant and fellowship applications.
• Participating in the intellectual activities of the Science, Medicine, and Society Lab and the Department of Bioethics and Humanities.
• Undertaking research-related travel as appropriate.

Skills

Analytical skills

Planning

Organizational skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

Postdoctoral Scholar – Ethical and Social Aspects of Emerging Biomedical Technologies

Position Overview

Organization: Bioethics & Humanities

Title: Postdoctoral Scholar – Ethical and Social Aspects of Emerging Biomedical Technologies

Position Description

This position is bein g offered at a salary range of $ 5,705 to $ 6,000 per month ( $ 68,460 - $ 72,000 per year ) , co mme nsurat e with experience.

The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Amy Hinterberger, the position’s Principal Investigator, primarily on her Well come Trust–funded project, Biomedical Research and the Politics of the Human . The project is situated within the newly established Science, Medicine, and Society Lab, which examines the social, ethical, cultural, and political dimensions of emerging developments in science and medicine, including artificial intelligence, genomics, stem cell science, and related areas of biomedical research.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Scholarly Contributions — 80%

The Postdoctoral Scholar will contribute to the research and publication activities of the Wellcome Trust project and related work led by Professor Hinterberger. Responsibilities will include:

• Analyzing qualitative research data, including interview and documentary materials;
• Reviewing and synthesizing relevant scholarly literature;
• Collaborating with Professor Hinterberger on the preparation of scholarly articles and other research outputs;
• Contributing to reports, conference papers, presentations, and public-facing research materials;
• Assisting with the development of grant and fellowship applications;
• Participating in the intellectual activities of the Science, Medicine, and Society Lab and the Department of Bioethics and Humanities; and
• Undertaking research-related travel as appropriate .

Professional Development and Independent Research — 20%

The position will provide protected time for the Postdoctoral Scholar to advance their own research and professional development. Activities may include:

• Developing independent or collaborative scholarship aligned with the broad mission of the Science, Medicine, and Society Lab;
• Preparing manuscripts, conference papers, and grant or fellowship applications;
• Building scholarly collaborations and networks at the University of Washington and beyond; and
• Participating in relevant seminars, workshops, and professional-development activities.

About the Department of Bioethics and Humanities: The Department of Bioethics and Humanities is an interdisciplinary department in the University of Washington School of Medicine, with a mission to advance rigorous scholarship, teaching, and public engagement on the ethical, social, historical, and humanistic dimensions of medicine, biomedical research, public health, and health care. Department faculty work across fields including medicine, genetics, philosophy, public health, health services, medical sociology, religious studies, education, and related areas. Our research and teaching address topics such as genomic research, emerging biotechnologies, community-based participatory research, clinical ethics, social justice and access to health care, global bioethics, health disparities, medical error, and palliative and end-of-life care. The Department is deeply connected to the wider UW ecosystem, with collaborative relationships across UW Medicine and the Schools of Law, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, and Social Work, as well as the College of Arts and Sciences and Seattle Children’s. The successful candidate will join a department committed to interdisciplinary scholarship and to building new areas of strength at the intersection of science, medicine, technology, ethics, and society. The Department offers a master’s degree in bioethics, an undergraduate minor, professional training programs, and ethics education in the UW School of Medicine

Qualifications

Applicants for this Postdoctoral Scholar position must meet the following minimum qualifications:

Applicants must have:

• Ph.D. or foreign equivalent in the social sciences, humanities, sciences, public health, bioethics, science and technology studies, or a related field by the start date of the position;
• Excellent analytical, planning, and organizational skills;
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Ability to synthesize academic literature, policy documents, reports, and other complex materials clearly and concisely;
• Strong and demonstrated interest in the social, cultural, ethical, or political implications of science, medicine, and technology;
• Capacity to work independently on multiple projects by prioritizing, multitasking, and being flexible
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external collaborators;
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team managing multiple deadlines and a high volume of activity.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .

Benefits Information

The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information .

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Disability Services

The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

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For help signing up, accessing your account, or submitting your application, please check out Interfolio's help and support section or get in touch via email at [e-mail] or phone at [phone].

Title IX Notice

The University of Washington does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination and sex-based harassment in its education programs and activities, including in admission and employment. Refer to the UW policies page on the Title IX website to review (1) the University’s policies prohibiting sex- and gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination and (2) the related procedures for addressing complaints.

To report information or make a complaint about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or sex-based harassment, submit an online Title IX report or email or call the Office of the Title IX Coordinator.

Office of the Title IX Coordinator

Valery Richardson, Title IX Coordinator
4311 11th Ave NE Seattle, WA 98105
206-221-7932
[e-mail]