Research Assistant: Illicit Organ Trade

Introduction to the topic:

This research assistantship has its point of departure on an interdisciplinary node of social, behavioral, and health sciences. You will be introduced to the practice of human exploitation for the purpose of organ procurement and transplantation, the controversies in biopolitics, and the legal and ethical frameworks that govern the human body. We will discuss topics ranging from reproductive technologies and organ transplantation to forensic medicine and crime. This research course aims to promote dialogue and collaboration by bringing together students and instructors from different academic backgrounds.

Project details:

The research assistantship is divided into three modules: concepts and theories, methods and ethics, and research. In the first module, you will learn about the central conceptual and theoretical frameworks. You will then explore the various methodological approaches to studying illicit organ trade as well as learn about the importance of ethical considerations in science. The final module is dedicated to individual work and group work, where you will be required to develop a research plan and carry out your study, which will be presented at the research symposium at the end of the semester.

Selected relevant publications:

Smiragina-Ingelström, P. (2019). Trafficking in Persons for the Purpose of Organ Removal. NSfK’s 61st Research Seminar Report.
Smiragina-Ingelström, P., Henderson, A., & Andjelkovic, M. (2021). Applying Gender Sensitive Approaches in Combating Trafficking in Human Beings. OSCE, Vienna.

Additional application required

You must submit an additional application through the Online Registration portal.

All application materials must be submitted on the following dates by midnight in your time zone:

November 1 for spring semester applicants
May 1 for fall semester applicants

Complete your application through Student Registration.

Recommended experience

Previous experience with SPSS or R software is an advantage, but not required.

Faculty

Polina Smiragina-Ingelström

Faculty

PhD (2021, The University of Sydney), focusing on the gendered perspective on victimhood in the trafficking of men. MSc (2012, Gothenburg University), BA (2009, Moscow State University). Postdoctoral fellow in Criminology (Stockholm University). Polina’s research interests are within the disciplines of criminology and medical anthropology with a special focus on victimhood, gender, post-trafficking needs and help-seeking behavior. Before commencing her academic career Polina was a migrant counsellor and reintegration assistant at the UN Migration (IOM) mission in Russia. She was engaged in providing direct assistance to migrants in distress including victims of human trafficking and exploitation; and assistance in voluntary return and reintegration. With DIS since 2016.

Research Assistantship FAQ

Learn more about research at DIS.

: Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.

Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.

: Many research projects last across several semesters, so not all RAs on the same project will conduct the same research.

: On average, students in 3-credit Research Assistantships spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks. These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.

Students in a 6-credit Research Assistantships spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks. You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.

There may be peak times in the research process where all Research Assistant students are expected to spend a few more hours, and then possibly fewer hours another week – to reflect the individual research project and process.

: Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place outside DIS, on your own time at a location of your choosing, or at DIS – this varies from project to project. The 6-credit research assistantships generally take place at labs in Copenhagen or Stockholm outside DIS.

: Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.

The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.

Introduction to the topic:

Project details:

Additional application required

Recommended experience

Faculty

Polina Smiragina-Ingelström

Research Assistantship FAQ

Will I publish a research paper?

What exactly will I do?

What is the time commitment for a 3-credit or 6-credit Research Assistantship?

Where is the research work carried out?

What type of student applies for the 3- and 6-credit Research Assistant courses?