Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Responsible Research and Innovation (Future Biomanufacturing), University of Manchester, UK

We seek to appoint a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in the Responsible Research and Innovation Group (RRI Group) at the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research to work with the Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub (Future BRH) at The University of Manchester.

You will undertake research at the interfaces of responsible research and innovation (RRI), governance, and engineering biology. We are keen to support research that advances understanding and responsible innovation practices related to automation and AI applications, sustainability, commercialization, regulation, and policy in engineering biology and in the scaling-up of biomanufacturing. The Research Associate will contribute to one or more of these themes. The researcher can also put forward an additional research theme related to RRI in future biomanufacturing. The researcher may also be involved in other RRI activities related to Future BRH training, workshops, and engagement.

Application deadline 9^th May 2024

The Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (MIOIR, https://www.mioir.manchester.ac.uk/) is a world leading centre for the study of science and innovation policy and management. Our 45 members of staff and 50 doctoral students build on more than five decades of interdisciplinary science, technology and innovation studies in Manchester. MIOIR’s RRI Group is part of MIOIR’s research and engagement theme on Emerging Technologies and Governance. MIOIR is housed at the the Alliance Manchester Business School (https://www.alliancembs.manchester.ac.uk/) which is recognized as one of the world’s leading business schools.

The Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub (https://futurebrh.com/) is led by The University of Manchester in partnership with Imperial College London, the University of Nottingham, University College London, the UK Catalysis Hub, the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre, and the Centre for Process Innovation. The Future BRH is developing industrial biotechnology towards efficient and sustainable biobased manufacturing for key UK sectors: Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Engineering Materials and Fuels. By connecting interdisciplinary discovery science together with industry, the Future BRH is pursuing innovative biomanufacturing solutions to help grow sustainable bioeconomies.

This position will support a researcher who seeks to develop leading-edge research related to the governance of emerging technologies and responsible research and innovation and who wants to engage in a multidisciplinary team environment on themes related to future biomanufacturing and bioeconomy. The successful candidate will have a commitment to research and publication and also to engagement. The position is open to applicants from diverse educational backgrounds, including science and innovation studies, public policy and politics, social science, management and economics, science and engineering, information technology, health and life sciences, and environmental studies. Applicants who combine disciplines, for example life sciences, biology or biochemistry at the undergraduate level with social sciences at the doctoral level, or who have experience with sustainability, life cycle or value chain studies, are encouraged to consider this opportunity. However, we will also consider candidates with other combinations of qualifications. Applicants with either qualitative or quantitative (or a mix of) methodological research skills will be considered. We welcome applicants from early career researchers. The PhD is expected to be completed prior to commencing employment.

The Research Associate in Responsible Research and Innovation will work under the supervision of Professor Philip Shapira of the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research and Lead for RRI with the Future BRH.

We are committed to creating a fully inclusive and flexible culture, one where everyone can realise their potential and make a positive contribution. We believe that if we can positively diversify our staff we will be able to collaborate more effectively and create a more productive environment.

If you think you will be a good fit for this role we look forward to hearing from you!

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status.  All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.        

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Full details can be viewed on the University of Manchester jobs website [eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com]

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting, and interviews:

Prof Philip Shapira

Email: pshapira@manchester.ac.uk

Professor of Innovation, Management and Policy, Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, M15 6PB, UK; Email: pshapira@manchester.ac.uk

Co-Investigator and Lead for Responsible Research and Innovation, UK Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub, University of Manchester

Turing Fellow, The Alan Turing Institute

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