Research Associate; Sociology of Emerging Science

Research Associate (Sociology of Emerging Science)

Location:

Canterbury

Salary: £39,906 to £44,746 per annum

Grade:
Grade 7

Post Type:
Full Time Position

Contract Type:
Fixed Term - Ends 31/03/2028

Reference: SSS-037-26

How can the UK shape the future of synthetic plants in ways that foster innovation, sustainability, and meaningful public participation? Join the ARIA-funded project Futuring Biological Commons, which aims to advance the UK’s governing approach on synthetic plants, support a sustainable research and industrial ecosystem, and promote meaningful public deliberation.

In this fixed term research post, you will work closely with Professor Joy Y. Zhang and a transdisciplinary research team comprising experts from the social sciences, synthetic biology, industrial biotechnology, and civil society. You will contribute to the development of an empirically grounded, future‑oriented approach to relational plant ethics, exploring care for techno‑lifeforms and ‘symbiodiversity’, while identifying practical strategies to address structural and cultural barriers to the responsible development and adoption of synthetic plant technologies.

• Ensure the successful and timely delivery of the Futuring Biological Commons project, fostering a collaborative, collegial, and interdisciplinary research environment.
• Actively contribute to the research culture and intellectual community of the Centre for Global Science and Epistemic Justice and the School of Social Sciences, engaging in knowledge exchange and academic development initiatives.

• Proven ability to independently design and conduct rigorous empirical social research, demonstrating methodological excellence.
• Strong research track record, evidenced by publications in internationally recognised peer‑reviewed journals and presentations at academic conferences.
• Comprehensive knowledge of emerging applications in engineering biology and their socio‑environmental implications, particularly in areas such as agriculture, food systems, and ecological sustainability.
• Experience in collaborative research and interdisciplinary teamwork, with a demonstrated ability to engage diverse stakeholders across academic, policy, industry and public sectors.

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing.

• 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff).
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
• Corporate employee‑funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health.

We particularly welcome applications from female candidates as they are under‑represented at this level in this area.

The University of Kent values diversity and equality at all levels.