PhD Position in Value-Sensitive Design of Hearables, University of Oldenburg, Germany

Summary

The Department of Health Services Research at the University of Oldenburg invites applications for a 36-month full-time PhD position within the Research Training Group HEARAZ. The project, titled 'Value-sensitive Design of Hearables', focuses on ethical questions surrounding network-assisted hearing technology, including privacy, care, and justice. The successful candidate will combine ethical analysis, qualitative social research, and co-design methods within an interdisciplinary supervisory team. Applicants must hold a Master's or university diploma in Philosophy, Ethics, Health Services Research, Public Health, or a related field, alongside strong proficiency in both German and English. Benefits include standard public service pay (E13 TV-L), flexible working hours, and opportunities for international research visits. Applications must be submitted via the online portal by November 23, 2026.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Oldenburg
Department	Department für Versorgungsforschung (Fakultät VI – Medizin und Gesundheitswissenschaften)
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Medicine and Health Sciences
Research Area	Ethics in Medicine / Health Services Research
Degree Required	Master's degree
Experience	Documented study achievements showing knowledge and interests in at least two specified research areas and methods; experience in scientific writing, systematic literature searches, or participatory technology development is advantageous.
Salary	E13 TV-L
Funding	Salary according to collective agreement (E13 TV-L)
Contract Duration	36 months
Language	German and English
Deadline	2026-11-23
Employer Contact	Eike Buhr
Employer Address	Ammerländer Heerstraße 114–118, 26129, Lower Saxony

About the Project

The PhD project 'Value-sensitive Design of Hearables' investigates the ethical dimensions of deploying smart, networked hearing technology (hearables) in practical healthcare settings, focusing on privacy, care, and justice. By integrating ethical analysis, qualitative empirical research (interviews and ethnographic observations), and participatory co-design, the project incorporates moral values directly into the technological development of mobile health devices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop an individual PhD dissertation topic on the value-sensitive design of hearables.
• Systematically compile ethical arguments regarding hearable technology and create a theoretical framework.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate qualitative interviews and ethnographic observations with potential users, relatives, and professional caregivers.
• Integrate ethical, empirical, and technical perspectives through value-sensitive co-design and prototyping with technology developers.
• Participate actively in the interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary training program.

Required Skills

• Master's degree or university diploma in Philosophy, Ethics, Health Services Research, Public Health, or a related discipline.
• Documented knowledge and interest in at least two relevant research areas (medical/tech ethics, privacy/care/justice, or technical assistance systems).
• Documented methodological skills in ethical analysis and qualitative social research (interviews and qualitative evaluation).
• Very good knowledge of German and English.

Who Should Apply

Candidates holding a university diploma or Master's degree in Philosophy, Ethics, Health Services Research, Public Health, or a related field. Applicants should possess documented knowledge in ethics, technical assistance systems, qualitative social research methods, and ethical analysis, along with very good German and English language skills.

Benefits

• Pay according to collective agreement E13 TV-L including annual special payment, occupational pension, and capital-forming benefits.
• 30 days of annual leave.
• Flexible working hours (flexitime) and options for mobile work in a family-friendly environment.
• Occupational health promotion and extensive free continuing education program.
• Supervision by an interdisciplinary team of professors and funding for international research visits.

About the Employer

The Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg's Faculty VI Medicine and Health Sciences encompasses human medicine, medical physics, acoustics, neuroscience, psychology, and health services research, cooperating closely with regional hospitals and the University Medical Center Groningen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is November 23, 2026.

What degree is required for this PhD position?

Applicants must hold a university diploma or Master's degree in Philosophy, Ethics, Health Services Research, Public Health, or a related field.

What is the contract duration and employment level?

The position is fixed-term for 36 months at 100% full-time (also suitable for part-time).

What language skills are required?

Very good knowledge of both German and English is required.

How should I submit my application?

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the university's online job portal.