Senior Postdoctoral Researcher: Design Bioethics Laboratory (DBL)

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%).





**What We Offer**





As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is
reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:





• An excellent contributory pension scheme



• 38 days annual leave



• A comprehensive range of childcare services



• Family leave schemes



• Cycle loan scheme



• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans



• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs





The post is available on a flexible hybrid basis. The minimum time on-site in
the office is 4 days/week. The postholder must be in the office on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays and Thursdays in order to attend regular Departmental and Team
meetings.





**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