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- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in engineering biology and navigate regulatory pathways for environmental applications.
- Company: Cranfield University, a leader in technology and management education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of biosafety and innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: PhD or nearing completion in relevant fields with experience in regulatory processes.
- Other info: Join a diverse community committed to equality and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 37897 - 38887 £ per year.
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Environmental Sustainability
Fixed Term Contract for 12 months
Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £37,897 to £38,887 per annum.
We welcome applications for a stimulating opportunity to shape the socially responsible use of novel biologies.
About the Role
The primary purpose of this role is to deliver a project entitled ‘Navigating regulatory approval pathways for Engineering Biology applications in the Environment sector’. This innovative collaborative project provides a unique opportunity to work closely with leading-edge scientists and regulators, to better understand the regulatory approval challenges facing Engineering Biology solutions for the Environment sector.
The successful candidate will work with pre-commercial solution providers and regulators to deliver regulatory approval dry runs, focusing on the evidence base required to demonstrate effective biocontainment. They will also undertake a regulatory pathway mapping activity, from early-stage discovery to market authorisation. Sector-facing outputs include guidance on regulatory approval pathways and recommendations on modifications to regulatory processes.
This role provides an opportunity to generate new insight into the relationship between regulation and innovation, both with particular respect to biosafety, but also with implications for other frontier technologies considered to pose heightened societal risks.
The project will illustrate what a credible regulatory approval submission comprises of, and clarify forms, levels and quality of risk management evidence, thereby lowering the costs of regulatory approval and market access for novel engineering biology solutions.
About You
The ideal candidate will be comfortable with the technical aspects of engineering biology, as well as having deep experience of regulatory processes. They will have experience of, and enthusiasm for, interdisciplinary work at the interface between natural science, engineering and governance.
You will have, or be close to completion of, a PhD in a subject of relevance to the regulation of innovative technologies or processes and have experience of undertaking primary research into governance or regulatory issues.
About Us
As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally.
This project is funded by UKRI through the Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre (EBIC) which is hosted, managed and led by Cranfield University, and which involves research collaborations between 10 academic institutions from across the UK and 30 associated partners. The Centre’s focus is on using cutting-edge techniques from synthetic biology, biotechnology, computation modelling and engineering science to develop innovative solutions in bioengineering and bioremediation.
Our Values and Commitments
Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community.
We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme.
We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families.
Working Arrangements
Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.
How to apply
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Professor Paul Jeffrey, Professor of Technology Governance and Regulation, on (E): p.j.jeffrey@cranfield.ac.uk
Closing date for receipt of applications: 8 March 2026.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.
Research Fellow in the Regulation of Engineering Biology employer: Cranfield University
Contact Detail:
Cranfield University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in the Regulation of Engineering Biology
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of engineering biology and regulatory processes. Attend relevant conferences or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current regulations and innovations in engineering biology. Be ready to discuss how your research experience aligns with the role at Cranfield University. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Research Fellow position. It’s the most direct route and shows you’re serious about joining our team at Cranfield University. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our platform!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in the Regulation of Engineering Biology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We want to see how you can contribute to the project on regulatory approval pathways in Engineering Biology.
Show Your Passion: Let us know why you're excited about this opportunity! Share your enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work and how it relates to the regulation of innovative technologies. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in the field.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out without unnecessary fluff. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranfield University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in engineering biology and regulatory processes. Familiarise yourself with the specific project details, especially around regulatory approval pathways and biocontainment evidence. This will show your genuine interest and expertise during the interview.
✨Show Your Interdisciplinary Skills
Highlight your experience working at the intersection of natural sciences, engineering, and governance. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully collaborated across disciplines, as this role requires a strong ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the project and the team dynamics. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals. Consider asking about the challenges they face in regulatory approvals or how they envision the future of engineering biology.
✨Emphasise Your Research Experience
Be prepared to discuss your PhD research and any relevant projects in detail. Focus on how your findings relate to governance or regulatory issues in innovative technologies. This will help the interviewers see how your background fits into their vision for the project.
