The Science, Communication and Society Studies Centre at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) is looking to add a science communicator to our team to carry out his/her doctoral thesis (3-year PhD position) in one of the centre’s research projects, focusing on understanding perceptions, innovating communication and fostering inclusivity in Cancer research. The selected candidate will join the Biomedicine doctoral program at Pompeu Fabra University, within the specific line of research of science communication.

This PhD position is part of the Mac4Me Doctoral Network. 

About the Mac4Me doctoral network:

The Mac4Me Doctoral Network adopts an innovative, multidisciplinary and cross-sectional approach, with a unique and dedicated research training programme to equip young researchers with scientific knowledge and transferable skills that are essential for today’s great demand in both academic and non-academic sectors.

Mac4Me aims to understand the tumour cell-immune host interactions at the metastatic site. We will use innovative animal-free organ-on-chip systems, that recapitulate early metastasis formation of brain, bone and liver. The retrieved knowledge from the preclinical models will be integrated with data from established clinical metastases and AI machine-learning algorithms will be applied to identify new immune targets. Mac4Me will align with patients and the general public from the very beginning thereby bringing societal expectations and patient needs into the centre of the project to pave the way for new standards for shared decision-making and acceptable healthcare solutions.

Mac4Me consist of a multidisciplinary team of academic and non-academic partners across multiple countries in Europe. The PhD candidate will work in close collaboration with the other candidates through a highly diverse educational agenda of online and face-to-face meetings. Importantly, each PhD has planned short-stay research visits with our partners as an integral part of their PhD program. More information about the network

Research details:

Objectives: 1) Analyse the perception of the different actors involved (researchers, patients, industry) about their perceptions on cancer research and their application, especially on cancer metastasis. 2) Design innovative communication models on cancer metastasis research that are based on the results of perception surveys. 3) Analyse and propose effective communication actions aimed at population groups with special needs (e.g., women, disadvantaged populations, people with functional diversity, etc.)

Expected Results: 1) a better understanding of the varying levels of expectations, optimism, awareness, concerns, and opportunities among researchers, patients, and industry representatives regarding the potential of new advances in cancer research and their applications, along with identifying knowledge gaps and opportunities for collaboration. 2) the development of tailored and effective communication models for cancer research, informed by the insights gained from perception surveys, aimed at enhancing engagement and understanding among diverse stakeholders. 3) the identification and recommendation of targeted, culturally sensitive, and accessible communication strategies addressing the requirements of specific population groups with special needs, ensuring better engagement in cancer research.

Job conditions: 

• The hired person will be under the supervision of Dr. Gema Revuelta and Dr. Carolina Llorente. 
• During the development of the doctoral program, the selected person will gain experience in both quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques used in social research within the field of science communication and public perception of science (surveys, content analysis, focus groups, interviews, etc.).

Work schedule: Full-time (37,5 h/week)

Work location: Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), Av. Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona.

Approximate gross salary: 33.421,38 eur. The final amount may vary slightly based on the individual's personal circumstances.

Where to apply:ccs@upf.edu