At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct pioneering research on the socio-ethical implications of genome synthesis.
- Company: Join the innovative LASE University Group, collaborating with top universities.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 43 days' leave, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: We encourage applications from under-represented groups, especially women.
- Why this job: Shape global conversations on the future of genome governance and ethics.
- Qualifications: PhD in social studies of science or related fields required.
The predicted salary is between 54893 - 54893 £ per year.
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.
Roles and Responsibilities- 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.
- 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.
You’ll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:
- Hybrid working options (to be agreed in line with business needs - for this role, 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.
For enquiries about the roles, please contact Joy Y. Zhang via email at y.zhang-203@kent.ac.uk. We particularly welcome applications from female candidates as they are under-represented at this level in this area.
£39,906 to £54,893 per annum, Grade 7 to Grade 8.
Research Associate/ Fellow (Social Study of Synthetic Genomics) in Canterbury employer: Economicsnetwork
Joining the LASE University Group offers a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering academic collaboration that prioritises impactful research and meaningful engagement with global issues. With a strong focus on employee well-being, you will benefit from hybrid working options, generous leave entitlements, and a robust pension scheme, all within a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diverse perspectives. This role not only allows you to contribute to significant research on the socio-ethical implications of genome synthesis but also provides ample opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with international partners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate/ Fellow (Social Study of Synthetic Genomics) in Canterbury
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
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✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
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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 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Economicsnetwork. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Economicsnetwork. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Economicsnetwork
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Economicsnetwork. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Economicsnetwork to drive research projects forward.
