Research Associate/Fellow- Responsible Research & Innovation (fixed term) (MED235318)

The University of Nottingham’s Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC) is offering the post of Research Fellow in Responsible Research & Innovation as part of an exciting interdisciplinary large scale project, involving the creation and exploitation of gas fermenting microbial chassis as it relates to the sustainable production of chemicals and fuels.

The offered post forms part of the Social Science aspect of the SBRC, concerned with embedding and researching ‘responsible research and innovation’ approaches. The successful candidate will work closely with the Social Science lead, in undertaking research relating to ENGICOIN (Engineered microbial factories for CO2 exploitation in an integrated waste treatment platform), a Horizon 2020 funded project. The successful candidate will be located in the Interdisciplinary Responsible Research and Innovation Group (IRRIG), within the SBRC. This research group aims to use an RRI approach to map public perceptions of the establishment of anaerobic refineries with the aim to understand and anticipate market, public, governance, and societal hopes and concerns associated with using microbes for CO2 reuse at various scales (from the local to the global) and across different political and cultural contexts. 

As well as further developing and implementing a framework of Responsible Research Innovation (RRI), the role holder will collaborate with the Social Science lead in bringing the social science work within the SBRC to fruition, as well as with the SBRC Outreach Officer in shaping project related-engagement activities. The role holder will have the opportunity to use their initiative and creativity to develop independent and collaborative research in a collegial environment.

Candidates must hold a PhD (or be nearing completion), or equivalent, in a social science or humanities discipline relevant to the duties of the post. Applicants from diverse educational backgrounds will be considered including science & technology studies, sociology, anthropology, cultural geography, and public policy and politics. The ability to work in an interdisciplinary team will be essential.

This role includes travel to external meetings within the UK and occasionally to ENGICOIN EU partner institutions.

This full time, fixed term post is available immediately for 24 months. Job share arrangements may be considered. 

The School of Life Sciences holds an Athena Silver SWAN Award, in recognition of our commitment to supporting and advancing women’s careers in the life sciences (STEMM). You can read more about this initiative at http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/life-sciences/documents/athena-swan-silver-award.pdf

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Carmen McLeod: carmen.mcleod@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this Email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 15 Aug 2018
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)