Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Governance of Plant Synthetic Genomics

About the role

The Post-doctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) will contribute to activities associated with the project “Cultivating Responsible Innovation for Plant Synthetic Genomics through Experimental Governance”, joining a team led by Rob Smith at the University of Edinburgh, and Sarah Hartley at the University of Exeter. This exciting project is funded by ARIA, the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency, as part of a programme on Synthetic Plants (within the Abundant Manufacturing opportunity space).

Building on a sixty year history of problem-focussed research at the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU), the PDRF will contribute to the design and implementation of two “experimental governance initiatives”. These will develop new transdisciplinary methods to examine governance dilemmas associated with plant synthetic biology, delivering novel insights about governance, and procedural knowledge about how these might be operationalised. The PDRF will play a lead role in writing up these initiatives for academic publication and for research and policy use. They may also be asked to contribute to other exciting aspects of the project (qualitative research, public engagement activities and artistic commissions), as required. This role will require working with other team members, scientists in the ARIA programme and a range of stakeholders under the direction of Adrian Ely, Professor of Technology and Sustainability.

About you

You will have a PhD or equivalent in science and technology studies, science policy research or a related discipline, with a focus on the governance of biotechnology. Familiar with theories, literature and debates around responsible innovation, you will have a deep commitment to social and environmental justice, and an ambition to use your research to bring about change in the world. You will have experience of working across different disciplines (e.g. with natural scientists) and also with partners outside academia. You will have the skills to manage your own workload, motivating yourself and at times supporting other colleagues. You will have good inter-personal skills and be able to communicate clearly with the team, line management, and stakeholders. You will be able to work at the University of Sussex at least three days per week, and be willing to undertake some national and international travel associated with the position.

About our School

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Why work here

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Further Key Information

Please contact Professor Adrian Ely (a.v.ely@sussex.ac.uk) for informal enquiries.

For full details and how to apply see our vacancies page.

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