PhD Position: Care and Responsibility for Animals and Their End of Life

The importance of care for animals is receiving increasing attention from society and the veterinary profession. This includes ethical and practical challenges related to end-of-life decision-making for animals. This project builds on previous research which has shown that decision-making can be complex and lead to situations where veterinary professionals and pet owners have different perspectives on what constitutes appropriate care. These differences in perspective can have consequences for the well-being of animals, pet owners, and veterinary professionals.

Your job
As PhD candidate in this project, you explore how animal owners and veterinary professionals navigate situations that may lead to conflicts surrounding end-of-life decisions for animals. The goal is to understand the underlying factors and provide insights into ways to prevent or manage these conflicts when they arise. The project consists of three key components:

1. mapping existing views and approaches to these situations among veterinarians;
2. conducting a document analysis of the application of relevant legal and professional frameworks;
3. developing key principles for a professional guideline to support veterinary practitioners.

This PhD project is part of the research line 'The Ethics of Care in Human-Animal Relations', embedded within the Centre for Sustainable Animal Stewardship (CenSAS). CenSAS is an interdisciplinary team committed to fostering a sustainable and responsible coexistence between humans and animals.

• A position for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,901 and €3,707 (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

The Centre for Sustainable Animal Stewardship (CenSAS) strives to encourage a sustainable and responsible relationship between humans and animals. In an interdisciplinary team, we aim to bridge science and society in animal related questions. We do so in research and education, but also in stakeholder and advisory projects and by enhancing public engagement, for instance by organising dialogues. The team is embedded in the Unit of Animals in Science and Society with colleagues who have expertise in animal welfare and behaviour and is part of the Department of Population Health Sciences. We also collaborate with colleagues from the faculties of Humanities, Geosciences, Medicine and Law.

For more information about this position, please contact Professor Franck Meijboom at f.l.b.meijboom@uu.nl or Dr Ellen Deelen at e.deelen@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University, acquisition is not appreciated.