Postdoctoral researcher in Medical Ethics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of workplace
The Unit for Medical Ethics is located at the Biomedical Centre (BMC) in Lund, near Skåne University Hospital. The unit is a part of the Department of Clinical Sciences in Lund (IKVL), one of six departments within the Faculty of Medicine. The research undertaken by the staff of the Unit of Medical Ethics includes, among other areas, research ethics and research ethics regulation, reproductive ethics, and ethical issues related to impaired decision-making capacity.

Within our research group, we prioritize a good working environment based on mutual respect and care. We strive to create a workplace that is perceived as stimulating and conducive to both personal and professional development. We continuously work to foster a sense of joy, engagement, and inclusion among all team members, ensuring both physical safety and a supportive psychosocial work environment.

We offer
Lund University is a governmental authority, which means you get special benefits, generous holidays, and a favorable occupational pension. Read more on the university's website about being employed at Lund University, Work at Lund University

We are seeking a driven and motivated postdoctoral researcher with the ability to work independently and further develop ongoing research projects. The position is full-time. The suggested start date is February 1, 2026, or as agreed upon.

Work description
The Unit for Medical Ethics is responsible for ethical analysis within the COMBAT project – an EU-funded interdisciplinary project that develops strategies to combat the global dengue epidemic and strengthen preparedness for future viral outbreaks. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to identify and analyse ethical issues that are relevant to the project.

Read more about the COMBAT project here.

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in medical ethics related to the COMBAT theme – primarily theoretical ethical analysis, but also contribute to the implementation of a survey study.
• Publish results in international peer-reviewed journals and contribute to consortium reports.
• Actively participate in internal meetings in Lund as well as international consortium meetings (travel required).

The workplace is in Lund. Participation in the unit’s day-to-day life, including project and workplace meetings, as well as seminars requires physical presence.

Basis for assessment
This is a merit-based position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in the academic career, and the selection will be based primarily on scientific merit and potential as a researcher. Particular emphasis will be placed on demonstrated skills within the subject area.

For postdoctoral appointments, the following shall form the basis for assessment:

• Proven ability to develop and conduct high-quality research.
• Teaching and pedagogical skills.

Additional qualifications will be assessed based on the following requirements for the position:

• Doctoral degree in medical ethics, bioethics, practical philosophy, or equivalent.

Meritorious qualifications:

• Documented research experience in medical ethics and research ethics.
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience in ethics research concerning global health and advanced biomedical technology.
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary environments.
• Documented experience of conducting empirical research in the form of survey or interview studies.
• Documented experience in research communication.

Eligibility
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, relevant for the subject of the position. This requirement needs to be met no later than the time when the employment decision is made. We will mainly consider candidates who have completed their PhD degree no more than three (3) years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, candidates who have completed their PhD degree earlier may be considered. These circumstances may include leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical work, positions of trust within trade union organizations or other similar circumstances.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time employment limited to 2 years, with the possibility of extension for up to one additional year. Preliminary start is the 1st of February 2026, or according to agreement. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral researcher”) between SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated November 19, 2021.

How to apply

The position is sought via the university's recruitment system. The application must include a personal letter (maximum two pages) in which you describe how you meet the qualification requirements and how your research is connected to the COMBAT project. The application must also contain a CV, including a list of publications, a general description of previous research work (maximum one page), a copy of the PhD degree certificate and anything else you wish to refer to (copies of diplomas, grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.) as well as contact information for two references.

We are looking forward to your application!

The Department of Clinical Sciences Lund is one of six departments at the Faculty of Medicine. Clinical Sciences Lund cooperates closely with Skåne University Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine in order to optimize the conditions for preclinical and clinical translational research, research strategies and development, as well as education on both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.