PhD opportunity in Clinical Ethics in Oncology
A PhD opportunity in Clinical Ethics in Oncology, will soon be announced by the European School of Molecular Medicine (SEMM), in agreement with the University of Milan, is about to announce a 4-year international PhD position in the Medical Humanities, with a specific focus on Clinical Ethics in Oncology.
A PhD opportunity in Clinical Ethics in Oncology, will soon be announced by the European School of Molecular Medicine (SEMM), in agreement with the University of Milan, is about to announce a 4-year international PhD position in the Medical Humanities, with a specific focus on Clinical Ethics in Oncology.
The official call for applications will be published on July 28 at the following link https://www.semm.it/education/how-apply
Project Summary
As the clinical-oriented branch of bioethics, clinical ethics seeks to translate ethical reflection into everyday medical decision-making. While well established internationally, the Italian clinical ethics landscape remains fragmented—particularly within the field of oncology. Ethical analysis in oncology has often been narrowly focused on end-of-life issues, overlooking the many complex moral challenges that arise throughout the entire continuum of cancer care.
This doctoral research project aims to address this gap by systematically investigating ethical issues in oncology—from diagnosis to treatment, prognosis communication, clinical trials, and end-of-life care. Methodologically, the project combines systematic literature review, qualitative methods, and quantitative research to:
(i) Map ethical issues and conflicts in oncological practice;
(ii) Develop a taxonomy of intra- and inter-professional ethical dilemmas;
(iii) Analyze real-world decision-making processes in ethically complex situations.
The results are expected to contribute both to the academic field of clinical ethics and to the development of practical frameworks for healthcare professionals in oncology.
Research Environment
The selected PhD candidate will join the newly established Clinical Bioethics Unit at the Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan—a vibrant multidisciplinary hub that unites leading faculty and researchers from top oncology institutions across Milan and the Lombardy region.
The candidate will also have the opportunity to conduct fieldwork and collaborate with internationally renowned cancer centers such as the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) and the National Cancer Institute of Milan (INT), both recognized for excellence in cancer research and clinical care.
Key Information
- Start date: November 1, 2025
- Duration: 4 years
- Eligibility: Master degree, MD, or equivalent degrees
- Requirements: Background in biomedicine, bioethics and/or other fields in the medical humanities, and excellent written and spoken English, which will be assessed during the interview
The program is fully international and will be conducted in English. All relevant details will be provided with the upcoming call on July 28.
As to the selection process, relevant information can be find at the following link: https://www.semm.it/education/selection
Should you know potential candidates, please forward this opportunity or put them in touch with Virginia directly.
Virginia Sanchini
Assistant professor in bioethics
University of Milan, Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology
Assistant professor in bioethics
University of Milan, Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology