University of Sussex
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Governance of Plant Synthetic Genomics Ref: 43666
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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.
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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 Faculty
As a pioneering research-driven and interdisciplinary Faculty, the University of Sussex Business School offers an inspiring and supportive environment for impactful business and management research and scholarship. Our five dynamic Departments—Accounting and Finance, Strategy and Marketing, Management, Economics, and the renowned Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU)—are dedicated to advancing academic excellence and practical insights to inform policy and drive responsible business solutions.
With a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability, the School shapes the future of business education, producing research and scholarship and graduates that make a difference in the UK and globally. By joining us, you will be part of a distinctive, future-focused community influencing real-world practices and promoting sustainable development.
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Please find further information regarding the University of Sussex Business School on our website.
Why work here
Our university is situated off the A27, next to the beautiful South Downs where you will enjoy everything that our 150-acre campus has to offer. We are accessible by public transport; Falmer train station is a five-minute walk to campus and several bus stops are located within campus. We also have dedicated cycling paths and encourage our staff to use these with our offering of a cycle to work scheme.
Sussex is a renowned, multi-accredited, research-led International University and this is only possible because of the people that work here. Whether you are a member of Faculty, part of a Professional Services team or a Student, it’s our people that make us great and we want you to be part of that.
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Further Key Information
Please contact Adrian Ely (a.v.ely@sussex.ac.uk) for informal enquiries.
The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Eligibility
Visa Sponsorship Queries: This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full time and appointed at Grade 7.4. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about Visa Sponsorship.
The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.
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