Sanquin is looking for a PhD student, department of Blood-borne Infections, Amsterdam (36 hours). How safe should donor blood be? - PhD project in public health ethics
- Specifications - (explanation)
Location Amsterdam, The Netherlands Function types Technical, Laboratory positions, PhD positions, Research, Development, Innovation Scientific fields Natural Sciences, Health, Behaviour and Society Hours 36.0 hours per week Education University Graduate Job number AT MK 05-13 EXTEW Translations en
Job description
How safe should donor blood be? - PhD project in public health ethics
Donated blood is screened for infectious agents to protect patients against infection. Such screening measures are effective in reducing risks to a minimum, but the quest for
safety comes at a cost. For example, the incremental cost-effectiveness of specific screening tests can be more than 1,000,000 euro/QALY, which is very high even compared to the most expensive medical treatments. How far should one go in preventing infection risks? This research project analyses this question from an ethical point of view. The project includes (a) clarification and review of the normative assumptions and arguments in current blood screening policies, (b) philosophical analysis of core concepts like precaution, safety, reasonable risk and responsibility, and (c) normative ethical analysis of obligations to maintain and promote blood safety. The study combines philosophical analysis with (focus group) interviews of stakeholders. The goal is to develop a sensible idea of obligatory and reasonable precautions against infection; and to define practical criteria for blood donor screening that are to be recommended to Sanquin.
Donated blood is screened for infectious agents to protect patients against infection. Such screening measures are effective in reducing risks to a minimum, but the quest for
safety comes at a cost. For example, the incremental cost-effectiveness of specific screening tests can be more than 1,000,000 euro/QALY, which is very high even compared to the most expensive medical treatments. How far should one go in preventing infection risks? This research project analyses this question from an ethical point of view. The project includes (a) clarification and review of the normative assumptions and arguments in current blood screening policies, (b) philosophical analysis of core concepts like precaution, safety, reasonable risk and responsibility, and (c) normative ethical analysis of obligations to maintain and promote blood safety. The study combines philosophical analysis with (focus group) interviews of stakeholders. The goal is to develop a sensible idea of obligatory and reasonable precautions against infection; and to define practical criteria for blood donor screening that are to be recommended to Sanquin.
Requirements
For
this PhD research project we seek a graduated (MA level)
philosopher/bioethicist with excellent skills in normative and
conceptual analysis in practical ethics. The successful candidate will
have a good mix of relevant skills and qualities, including:
- curiosity and passion for studying practical philosophical problems, notably in relation to public health
- excellence in academic writing
- good communicative skills, notably capability to discuss ethical issues and arguments with medical professionals and policy makers
- eagerness to work in a multidisciplinary context.
Conditions of employment
- salary and conditions are conform CAO Sanquin;
- a 36-hour-week;
- reimbursement of travel expenses;
- a temporary appointment for a period of 1 year, if successful, will be extended to cover 4 years in total;
- working hours are fixed by mutual agreement;
- 8,33% year-end;
- by full-time employment 201 vacation hours;
- PhD training and supervision according to the regulations of the Netherlands School for Research in Philosophy (Onderzoekschool Wijsbegeerte);
- supervision by professor Hans Zaaijer (Sanquin and University of Amsterdam, Blood-borne Infections) and dr Marcel Verweij (as of May 1st 2013: professor of
- philosophy, Wageningen University);
- excellent conditions for research in public health ethics: lively debate, enthusiastic colleagues with an international focus, and a fruitful work environment at the Chair Group Philosophy at Wageningen University and at Sanquin (Amsterdam);
Organisation
Sanquin
Sanquin
performs basic, applied, and clinically oriented research in the field
of blood and blood transfusion. Our research is focussed on haematology,
blood coagulation, immunology, cellular therapies and donor studies.
Sanquin offers an international, competitive, multidisciplinary research
environment with state-of-the-art facilities.
With over 200 colleagues, our focus is on both fundamental and applied research. We are interested in meeting ambitious researchers with training in life sciences, cell biology, biochemistry, or health sciences.
Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation is responsible for the blood supply in the Netherlands, and is affiliated to the University of Amsterdam and other universities in the Netherlands.
With over 200 colleagues, our focus is on both fundamental and applied research. We are interested in meeting ambitious researchers with training in life sciences, cell biology, biochemistry, or health sciences.
Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation is responsible for the blood supply in the Netherlands, and is affiliated to the University of Amsterdam and other universities in the Netherlands.
Department
Blood-borne infections
At
the department of Blood-borne infections, we study the epidemiology and
detection of blood-transmittable agents. In addition we analyse
decision-making and cost-effectiveness of preventive safety measures.
Additional information
For further information about the project itself you can contact Hans Zaaijer on email: h.zaaijer@sanquin.nl.
Canvassing in response to this advertisement is not welcome.
More information about employer
Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation (Sanquin)
on AcademicTransfer.
Direct link to this job opening: www.academictransfer.com/17523Canvassing in response to this advertisement is not welcome.
Original found here: http://www.academictransfer.com/employer/Sanquin/vacancy/17523/lang/en/
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