ELSI Postdoctoral Position at Vanderbilt University Medical Center

A new full time post-doctoral position in the Vanderbilt Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society focusing on ethical, legal, and social issues posed by advances in technology, including genetics, genomics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning is available as early as spring or summer, 2022.  The position has a term of one year, with potential for renewal.  The Center has a long and distinguished history in policy in clinical and translational research.  Current projects include a Center of Excellence in ELSI Research focusing on genetic privacy and identity in community settings.  This center is co-led by Professors Ellen Wright Clayton and Brad Malin and includes faculty and students from across the university in disciplines ranging from computer science and genomics to law and humanities.  Other projects include involvement in the eMERGE consortium, which explores the translation of research to the clinical setting, a project that has been under way for more than a decade as well as a new project to increase the involvement of underrepresented communities in AI/ML.  The Center also has an active program in clinical ethics consultation.

Vanderbilt and its alliance partner, Meharry Medical College, are the home of the Data Repository and Engagement cores for the All of Us Cohort. VUMC is also home to BioVU, the largest collection of de-identified DNA and associated clinical information in the country, and the Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, which is a leader in computational genomics.

It is anticipated that a successful candidate will have a terminal degree as well as training in one or more of the following: law, quantitative methods, or qualitative research.  A track record of papers and publications is preferred. Candidates with other experience in studying sociotechnical systems and issues raised by genomic research and clinical translation will also be considered.  Excellent writing, organizational skills, and commitment to transdisciplinary collaboration are critical. 

If you have questions, please email Ellen Wright Clayton at ellen.clayton@vumc.org.

Interested candidates should send a letter of intent, a current CV, and a writing sample to Ellen Clayton at the address above no later than February 1, 2022Electronic submissions are preferred.   Vanderbilt University Medical Center is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.  Women, members of minority groups, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.