PhD in Biomedical Ethics
The Institute for Biomedical Ethics at the University of Basel (IBMB), Switzerland (https://ibmb.unibas.ch/), is currently looking for a dynamic and independent graduate student (Master's degree) who is interested in carrying out their PhD work in biomedical ethics or bioethics.
This call is for an “open-track” project, where the applicant can choose his or her doctoral thesis topic. At the same time, we also encourage candidates to consider proposing a project within the following research lines that the institute has been pursuing: moral issues with new technological developments in Medically Assisted Reproduction; the ethics of digitalizing healthcare; experimental bioethics. The student will be chosen based on the qualifications below as well as on how the specific topic chosen for the PhD fits the research profile (either in terms of content or methodological approach) of the IBMB.
Your position
- Coordinating and managing a research project including carrying out qualitative interviews and analysing quantitative survey data, including collaboration with other project researchers.
- Continuing your education/training with PhD courses offered by the University of Basel and by partner universities.
- Mentoring research assistants, supervising bachelor and master students and reviewing their contributions.
- Documenting and presenting research findings in English.
- Contributing to various organizational processes at the IBMB.
Your profile
- Master's degree in Bioethics, Philosophy, Law, Health Sciences, Social Sciences or other related fields.
- Very good Master's and Bachelor's academic grades.
- Excellent language skills in English.
- Ability to speak and understand German and/or French is an advantage.
- Excellent knowledge of research methods and statistics; ideally you are familiar with analyzing quantitative survey data and with qualitative methodologies; in case, willingness to learn these skills.
- High level of commitment, intrinsic motivation, enthusiasm, and responsibility.
- You have strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
We offer you
- 3 year PhD program. Starting date 1st July 2026
- Enrolment in a Swiss Bologna accredited PhD Program in Bioethics.
- An attractive salary in accordance with SNSF doctoral salary guideline.
- Positive and productive working atmosphere in which you can develop yourself and realize your potential within a dedicated team that enjoys collaborating on various projects.
- Opportunity to engage in a cutting-edge interdisciplinary topic.
- Empirical methods courses in order to successfully conduct your PhD Project.
- You will also have the possibility to contribute to the academic life at the IBMB, including contributions to teaching, collaboration in other research projects and academic publications in scientific journals.
Environment: The University of Basel is the oldest Swiss university with a long tradition in ethics and the humanities and is committed to diversity, equal opportunities and family-friendliness. It has a long-standing reputation in outstanding research and teaching. Its doctoral candidates come from many international countries providing a vibrant and rich community. More information about the University is available at the following website: https://www.unibas.ch/en/University/About-University.html. The city of Basel is a global centre for biomedical research with major academic institutions and research departments of leading life science companies. Basel is a multicultural city and ranks among the best in terms of quality of life.
Applications must be submitted in English and should include: A detailed CV, including an overview of study results (grades and comparison with students from your year: percentiles of students have reached your grades) and other criteria of excellence (previous honors and awards etc.), the title of your master thesis, contact information of (at least) two (academic) referees; master thesis; a motivation letter (maximum two pages, double-spaced, font 12), specifying the topic you intend to work on and some preliminary ideas of how you want to research it (from a methodological point of view). Applications should be submitted online by 20th April 2026.
For further information, please contact Dr. Eva De Clercq eva.declercq@unibas.ch
We look forward to receipt of your complete online application.
