Senior Postdoctoral Researcher: Design Bioethics

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Department of Psychiatry is based on the Warneford Hospital site in Oxford – a friendly, welcoming place of work with an international reputation for excellence. The Department has a substantial research programme, with major funding from Medical Research Council (MRC), Wellcome Trust and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and provides highly rated medical training in psychiatry. The Head of Department is Professor Belinda Lennox.

We are looking to recruit a senior postdoctoral researcher (PDRA) to take up the role as Co-Director of the Design Bioethics Lab (DBL) in the Neuroscience, Ethics and Society (NEUROSEC) Team in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford (80%) and to work with Dr Joanna Demaree-Cotton, Director of the Philosophical Moral Psychology Lab at the Uehiro Oxford Institute (20%).

About the Role

The post is fixed-term, funded for three years and is based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital.

The Design Bioethics Lab, led by Professor Ilina Singh (PI) and co-directed by Dr David Lyreskog, is part of the Wellcome Trust-funded ANTITHESES Platform, and aims to progress and amplify our pioneering work in building innovative tools for bioethics research and participatory co-design with young people. You will co-develop and co-manage a research strategy to cover the next 5 and 10 years, including identifying key research areas, personnel requirements, budget and resource allocations; and so forth.

You will also work with Dr Joanna Demaree-Cotton at the Uehiro Oxford Institute, to integrate the work of the Design Bioethics Lab and the Philosophical Moral Psychology Lab to co-ordinate on projects and ensure added value to both Labs through this joint post. A key task will be to develop a clear strategy for grant applications in relevant areas to be submitted within one year of appointment.

About You

You will have significant post-PhD experience at time of application; in empirical bioethics / neuroethics, psychology or a relevant social science discipline, along with experience of translating ethical, bioethical, psychological, moral and/or philosophical concepts into empirical research projects.

Demonstrable expertise relevant to the focus of the project (‘what do we owe future generations?’) in the context of mental health ethics, environmental / climate change ethics, human rights and/or other demonstrably relevant context is essential. Along with a demonstrable interest in working with interdisciplinary research teams across disciplines relevant to NEUROSEC and UOI, you will also have an outstanding developing track record of first-author publications in Q1 journals.

Previous experience of participatory co-design with young people and experience in working with new and emerging technologies in research and/or engagement settings would be desirable.

Diversity

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

Our active Psychiatry People and Culture teams and initiatives work to make the Department of Psychiatry as supportive, welcoming and inclusive as possible.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is midday on 31 March 2025

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