Morgridge Institute for Research Ethics Scholar- in- Residence Program

The Morgridge Institute for Research (MIR), a private, non-profit medical research organization located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin—Madison (www.wisc.edu), is launching a program in ethics designed to provide an integrated ethics resource to complement the research conducted at this new interdisciplinary science research enterprise. The emphasis is on creating a culture, from the outset, that contemplates not just advances in research but also provides a framework for understanding, anticipating and addressing the potential ethical and social issues raised by the research conducted at MIR.

MIR is part of a new public-private research enterprise called the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery. The new Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery facility, opening in December, 2010, houses both MIR and its public university counterpart the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery as well as a large public engagement space called the Town Center. Visit www.discovery.wisc.edu for extensive background on the facility, the two research institutes housed within it and the Town Center.

A key element of the MIR ethics program is the ethics scholar-in-residence. This position is intended for a senior researcher who works broadly across the boundaries of science and ethics and is knowledgeable in areas relevant to the public-private research interface, technological innovation and/or translational medicine. Scholars may be from any of several fields of study, including the humanities or the social sciences, law, medicine or a relevant scientific discipline. This opportunity is available to junior and senior faculty as well as qualified academic staff and non-faculty scholars.

The scholar-in-residence will serve as an internal resource to scientists at MIR and will engage in helping develop ethics programs for both the campus and the broader community to take place in the Town Center.

This position may begin as early as June 1, 2011 but must begin no later than September 1, 2011 and may be held for as long as one full calendar year. The position may be renewable on an annual basis on June 1 of subsequent years.

Applications will be accepted through February 15, 2011. An award will be made by May 1, 2011.
Position responsibilities
Engage with scientists at MIR to identify and discuss ethics concerns that may arise in the course of their research
Help select MIR graduate student fellows to work with MIR scientists and support in conducting journal clubs and internal discussions at MIR on relevant topics in ethics
Work with the MIR ethics steering committee to develop campus and public programs in the Town Center including discussions, seminars and an annual conference on topics relevant to the University of Wisconsin—Madison campus, the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery in general and MIR in particular

Nominees must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
· PhD in a humanities discipline or social science and/or a terminal degree in one’s field, e.g. medicine, law, business etc.

· Be willing to maintain an office on-site at MIR on a regular basis throughout the fellowship year
· Be able to make at least a 50% commitment to this position for the entire academic year

Application materials:
Statement of Purpose speaking to the applicant’s vision for the launch and development of the ethics program, and how research interests and teaching competence will enhance this program. (No longer than three pages)
CV
Three letters of support

Compensation
Salary compensation for the scholar in residence will range from $30-65K for a 50% position with commensurate fringe benefits. Full-time compensation may be considered for those applicants able to make a full-time commitment.