Summary

The Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy at Baylor College of Medicine is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Associate for a non-laboratory research position. The individual hired will be responsible for providing high-level expertise in the area of philosophy and bioethics. The Postdoctoral Associate will be part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers led by Dr. Jennifer Blumenthal-Barby with the goal of increasing the footprint (quality and quantity) of the philosophical aspects of bioethics. No specific area of research inquiry is required, but Professor Blumenthal-Barby has expertise, projects, and interests in general medical ethics (e.g., consent), autonomy, decision-making, neuorethics, and AI ethics in medicine—especially as these issues intersect with the philosophical areas of value theory, action theory, philosophy of mind, and epistemology.

In addition to supporting the Center’s robust research program, the Postdoctoral Associate will receive mentoring to assist with publishing manuscripts and presenting research at academic conferences. Qualified candidates may receive additional mentorship to submit their own external training grant application. They will also have the opportunity to participate in professional and academic development sessions hosted by the Center. Such development opportunities include journal clubs, speaker series, career development information sessions, peer mentorship, and programming on grant writing, academic presentations, and goal planning. The Center promotes an intellectually stimulating and collaborative environment conducive to academic excellence. 

The Center cultivates a culture of intentionality, respect, inclusivity, and collaboration. We offer intellectual, social, and professional development opportunities to promote a meaningful work experience. We are reflective and mindful of issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion in both interactions with one another.

This position is expected to begin Summer/Fall 2022.

For more information about Baylor College of Medicine and the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, visit our website at www.bcm.edu/ethics. 

Job Duties

• Plan and implement widespread dissemination of philosophical bioethics materials and initiatives through a multi-institutional philosophical bioethics collaborative network including BCM’s Center for Medical Ethics/Rice University Philosophy, Oxford’s Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Georgetown’s Kennedy Institute of Ethics, and NYU’s Center for Bioethics. 
• Conduct comprehensive literature searches in the areas of philosophy and bioethics.
• Lead and assist with publishing manuscripts in relevant academic journals.
• Present papers at local, national and international meetings.
• Attend project meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• Experience Required: None Required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in philosophy, bioethics, or related field required. 
• Strong analytical and written communication skills, including proficiency in presentation and educational content development.
• Strong interest in bioethics and philosophy. 
• Track record of publications in bioethics/philosophy journals preferred.
• Team oriented, collaborative mindset with an interest in creating value in any situation with insightful questions and suggestions.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, efficient, and strong organizational skills.