Research Associate​/Research Fellow; Social Study of Synthetic Genomics

Research Associate/Research Fellow (Social Study of Synthetic Genomics)

• University of Kent
• £39,906 to £54,893 per annum.

Salary: £39,906 to £54,893 per annum.

Hours:

Full-time.

Location:

Canterbury (remote work may be supported, but there will be a need to attend the University of Kent's Canterbury campus regularly).

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 Professor Joy Y Zhang (Principal Investigator), 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.

As a Research Associate/Research Fellow you can expect to be involved in:

• 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.

What will you bring to the role?

• 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.

To find out more and to apply for this role, go here .

Closing date for applications:
Sunday 19 July 2026.