Researcher in transdisciplinary communication and the regulation of nanomaterials

NANoREG is a large-scale collaborative project financed by the European Commission FP7 program that seeks to develop a common European approach to the regulatory testing of nanomaterials (see http://nanoreg.eu). The NorNanoReg project is a collaboration between all Norwegian institutes involved in the NANoREG project. In line with NANoREG, NorNanoReg aims to a) critically evaluate test methods for nanosafety research, b) develop and apply novel approaches as necessary, and c) actively reflect on and communicate underlying assumptions, uncertainties and values in both the research and regulation of nanomaterials. 

The researcher will perform work in connection with both work package 6 of the  NANoREG project “Keeping Pace with Innovation” and work package 4 of the NorNanoReg project “Transdisciplinary Communication”. This work will be focused on three key tasks:

1. Facilitating transdisciplinary communication across nanosafety researchers from different disciplines, nanotechnology industry and regulators,
2. Organising multi-stakeholder workshops to identify research bottlenecks in nanosafety and approaches for handling these in nanotechnology governance
3. Assisting with data entry and quality control in a nano(eco)toxicology database

The position will ideally start April 1st 2015, or as soon as possible thereafter. It is initially being offered as a 60% position (3 days a week) until the end of 2016. However, 80% and 100% positions over shorter periods of time can also be discussed and negotiated with the right candidate.

The position is offered within GenØk’s Society, Ecology and Ethics Department (SEED).

Qualifications & Selection Criteria

• A PhD in nano(eco)toxicology or ethical, legal and/or social aspects (ELSA) of nanotechnology is desired. However, candidates with experience or a Masters degree in related areas of research will also be considered.
• An excellent command of English, in both written and oral forms is required
• A demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary research (particularly across natural and social sciences) and experience addressing its unique challenges are important
• Experience organising interactive workshops with various stakeholders will be a significant advantage
• The ability to work independently as well as make positive contributions to a team will be valued.

The position of employment will be at the GenØk offices in Tromsø Norway. The salary will be negotiated between the Norwegian State’s wage code 1308 (LR25) and 1109 (LR24) on the basis of the candidate’s level of education, experience and qualifications.

GenØk has human resource policy objectives that emphasize diversity, and therefore encourages qualified applicants to apply regardless of their gender, functional ability and national or ethnic background.

Application

The application must be submitted electronically before February 10^th. The applications should be written in English and include:

• A 1-2 page statement of why you are interested in the position, how you meet the selection criteria and how your background, interests and/or expertise will be of benefit
• A curriculum vitae that includes all previous research projects and publications
• An example of academic writing (e.g. a published article or copy of a Masters/PhD thesis)

For more information contact:

SEED-coordinator /project leader: Fern Wickson, fern.wickson@genok.no, tlf. 77623137

or

Head of Administration: Katrine Jaklin, katrine.jaklin@genok.no, tlf. 77645546

GenØk – Centre for Biosafety is the national competence centre for biosafety in Norway and was established in 1998 as an independent research foundation connected to the research environments at the University of Tromsø and the Science Park. GenØk conducts research on social and ethical aspects of emerging bio- and nanotechnologies as well as their impacts on human health and the environment. It also provides policy advice to national and international governments and institutions on biosafety issues, and delivers capacity building for scientists, regulators and civil society organisers around the world in risk assessment and regulation and emerging technologies. The institute has approximately 40 employees. Read more at: www.genok.no

Job offer informations