Research Associate​/Fellow; Social Study of Synthetic Genomics

Research Associate/ Fellow (Social Study of Synthetic Genomics)

Location:

Canterbury

Salary: £39,906 to £54,893 per annum

Grade:
Grade 7 to Grade 8

Post Type:
Full Time

Contract Type:
Fixed Term - Ends 19/05/2030

Reference: SSS-036-26

On the 1 August 2026, The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent will form a pioneering new multi-university group called London and South-East (LASE) University Group. Should you join us, you will be employed by LASE and within this, you will be closely connected to and work across one of our academic divisions (University of Greenwich or University of Kent), contributing to its distinct strengths, community and identity.

Combining these strengths, LASE brings scale, resilience and shared ambition to deliver outstanding education, impactful research, and meaningful regional and global impact.

Are you passionate about exploring the social and ethical implications of emerging technologies?

Do you want to contribute to an internationally significant research project shaping global conversations on the future governance of genome synthesis?

We are looking to appoint two researchers to join the Wellcome Discovery Award-funded project, Care‑full Synthesis:
Advancing Global Engagement on the Socio‑Ethical Implications of Synthesising Human Genomes. Working closely with principal investigator Professor Joy Y. Zhang, you will contribute to pioneering research that brings together diverse global perspectives to explore the ethical, legal, social and governance challenges of genome synthesis and engineering biology.

Successful candidates will be appointed to either Research Associate at Grade 7 or Research Fellow at Grade 8 depending on current expertise, skills and experience, as assessed by the recruitment panel against the essential criteria for each role.

• Conducting research into the socio‑ethical, economic and political implications of genome synthesis and engineering biology.
• Collaborating with international partners, stakeholders and research participants to support data collection, analysis and dissemination activities.
• Contributing to the development of governance, ethics and public engagement approaches that reflect diverse global perspectives.
• Supporting the communication and dissemination of research findings through publications, events and other project activities.

• A PhD or equivalent in a relevant field within the social studies of science, such as sociology, anthropology, political sciences, bioethics, science communication, or other related disciplines.
• Knowledge of the ethical, social and policy dimensions of emerging biomedical sciences.
• Experience of conducting and communicating high‑quality research and publishing in internationally recognised journals.
• The ability to collaborate and engage effectively with a range of stakeholders and partners.

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

• Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs; remote work may be supported, however there will be a need to attend the Canterbury campus regularly).
• 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.

• Closing Date:
  Sunday, 19 July 2026.
• Interview Date:
  Tuesday, 4 August 2026.

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