Research Fellow in the Regulation of Engineering Biology in Cranfield

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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. Please also contact peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk with any further details. Quote reference number 5231. 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.