Research Assistants x 2, Technopolitics and Ethics of Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing
Internal Applicants Only
Deadline: 1 June 2023
Dr Nicole Stremlau is looking for two Research Assistants to help with a project on the technopolitics and ethics of Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing ('NIPT').
Non-Invasive Prenatal Tests, which are blood tests that can assess the likelihood of a baby having a genetic condition, are a clear example where technology has advanced faster than ethical, legal and societal debates about what implications these tests have on pregnancy and disability. This trend that is accelerating with the use of AI by many NIPT companies.
The two RAs will assist with research, literature reviews and grant applications around two areas:
One RA (RA1) will work on the technopolitics of NIPT, which will explore how the increasing availability of technological innovation (in this case NIPT) sets the parameters about prenatal management and in effect defines norms, laws, and regulations of prenatal testing. This will examine, for example, how NIPT technology shapes and is shaped by prevailing cultural, social, and political norms around pregnancy and parenthood, including how NIPT interacts with existing power structures such as gender norms, inequalities, and political/social ideals and ideologies.
The second RA (RA2) will work on the intersection between NIPT and disability rights, exploring how the ease of prenatal testing is defining the parameters of how different societies engage with the ethics of having children with disabilities. Questions to be explored include: 'How does NIPT affect or interact with the politics of disability and perceptions of ‘normality’?' and 'How has NIPT affected the discourses and practices around disability rights?'.
When applying please identify which area you prefer to work on.
Duration and hours
Working hours: a total of up to 107 hours per RA across the duration of the project, to be agreed with the project supervisor.
Start date: 10 June 2023
Date by which the work must be completed: 30 September 2023
Reporting
The Research Assistants will report to Nicole Stremlau.
Requirements
- For RA1 a solid understanding of the field of science and technology studies - and technopolitics in particular - is essential.
- For RA2 a solid understanding of disability rights is essential.
- Excellent writing skills are essential.
- An understanding of NIPT is desirable.
- The ability to adopt a global perspective and reflect on these issues not only in Europe but also in Africa or Asia would be desirable.
- Experience of empirical research is desirable.
- An understanding of the funding landscape for this research would be desirable.
The work can be done in any place in the UK where you have access to a good library and internet. Meetings with the PI/team members can be held either in-person in Oxford or held online.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to current graduate students at Oxford University and the hours are in line with the restrictions on working hours for students within the Law Faculty.
It is expected that the work will be undertaken in the UK.
Rate of Pay
The work will be paid at £17.02 per hour (including the exceptional non-consolidated uplift for 2022-23), which equates to University Grade 6, point 1, on the basis of completed and approved timesheets, which must be submitted to payroll@law.ox.ac.uk by the last Friday of each calendar month for payment on the last working day of the following month.
In addition, paid annual leave will be assumed to be taken in the month in which it was accrued.
How to Apply
A short CV and cover letter (including the name of your supervisor) should be sent by email to nicole.stremlau@csls.ox.ac.uk by 01 June 2023. Please explain how you meet the requirements for the role, and give details of your availability. Supervisors may be asked for a reference.
Enquiries about the project are welcome, and may be addressed to Nicole Stremlau (Faculty member). General queries, e.g. about the appointment process, or eligibility, may be addressed to research@law.ox.ac.uk.