Lausanne: PhD Student (100%)

PhD Student Position in Medical Ethics

The Institute of Humanities in Medicine, attached to the Department of Education and Research (DFR) at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and the Faculty of Biology and Medicine (FBM) at the University of Lausanne, is looking for candidates for a fully funded PhD-Position (4 years, 100%) in medical ethics. The position will start on October 1, 2025 (negotiable, latest possible starting date: 1 February 2026).

Context

This position belongs to a 4-year interdisciplinary research project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) The ‚Hospital Discharge Letter‘ through the Lens of Cultural Studies: on the Narrativity, History and Ethics of an Unknown Genre of Medical Communication (Project Nr. 10.003.969, 8/2025-72029), Principal Investigators: Prof. Dr. Martina King (Fribourg), Prof. Dr. Ralf Jox (Lausanne), Dr. Felix Rietmann (Lausanne). The ‘discharge letter’ or ‘medical report’ is a standardized expert genre that physicians produce and study every day countless times; it organizes written medical communication worldwide. However, our project is the first one to investigate this genre systematically from the joint perspectives of literary studies, medical history and medical ethics; the project establishes a new research field in the Medical Humanities. https://www.unifr.ch/med/de/research/group/mh/research.html

Mission

The PhD-student will conduct his or her own independent research project within the above-mentioned framework, focusing on the ethical dimensions of the discharge letter in the past, present and future, including also the new developments of generative artificial intelligence (large language models). Methodologically, the PhD student is expected to work both empirically (qualitative interview study with German-speaking physicians) and normatively. The doctoral thesis will be part of the PhD program in the Humanities and Social Sciences of Medicine and Health of the FBM.

Tasks:

  • Complete a doctoral thesis on the above-mentioned topic of medical ethics under the supervision of Professor Ralf Jox
  • Contribute to the scientific and public promotion of the research developed (including scientific publications, presentations, podcasts, website, networks)
  • Help to coordinate research workshops and conferences associated with the project
  • Collaborate with other IHM members and participate in the Institute’s collective activities and events

Profile

  • Master (or equivalent degree) in medicine, philosophy, ethics, or in another pertinent discipline of the humanities or social sciences
  • Proficiency (written and spoken) in German (mandatory) and English, good knowledge of French or willingness to learn it
  • Willingness to work in a collaborative environment and a team-based research project

Application and contact

Further information can be obtained from Prof. Ralf J. Jox: ralf.jox(at)chuv.ch (please don’t send your application by email). Applications, written in English, French or German, should include a specific letter of motivation, a concise curriculum vitae, a list of publications with an example of a significant article, and copies of diplomas. They should be sent until July 19th, 2025 (23:59 GMT+1) on the dedicated electronic platform only: https://recrutement.chuv.ch/vacancy/phd-student-position-in-medical-ethics-307908.html. More information can also be found by clicking on this link.