At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on the socio-ethical implications of genome synthesis.
- Company: Join a pioneering multi-university group focused on impactful research and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 43 days' leave, and excellent pension contributions.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal development and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape global conversations on the future of genome synthesis and its governance.
- Qualifications: PhD in social studies of science or related fields; strong research and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 39906 - 54893 £ per year.
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.
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.
What we can offer in return:
As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You will enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:
- 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.
Additional Information
- Closing Date: Sunday, 19 July 2026.
- Interview Date: Tuesday, 4 August 2026.
The University of Kent values diversity and equality at all levels.
Research Associate/ Fellow (Social Study of Synthetic Genomics) in Canterbury employer: Artemis Clarke Ltd
Joining the University of Kent as a Research Associate/Fellow offers an exceptional opportunity to engage in pioneering research within a supportive and collaborative environment. With a focus on employee wellbeing, you will benefit from hybrid working options, generous leave entitlements, and a robust pension scheme, all while contributing to impactful projects that shape global conversations on synthetic genomics. The university's commitment to diversity and equality further enhances its reputation as an excellent employer, making it an ideal place for those passionate about the social implications of emerging technologies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate/ Fellow (Social Study of Synthetic Genomics) in Canterbury
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Artemis Clarke Ltd.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Leverage Your Network
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate/ Fellow (Social Study of Synthetic Genomics) in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Artemis Clarke Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Artemis Clarke Ltd! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Artemis Clarke Ltd
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
