Research Associate in Science Policy

Working with partners in Canada, France, Poland, South Africa and Brazil, this project aims to understand the relationships between science diplomacy and democracy, governance and trust through literature, conceptual and empirical work; to look at the role and potential of metascience and metascience 'observatories' in science diplomacy; and to explore how threats to global democracy, governance and trust could be mitigated and opportunities seized through making metascience observatories more inclusive. The outputs will include both academic-oriented products, as well as communications to policymakers and the wider public.

The Manchester team is responsible for leading a workpackage to define the actors involved in science diplomacy and examine their perceived relationship between DGT and science diplomacy, using interviews, document analysis, historical research, and case studies. Potential case studies could include the international governance of artificial intelligence, scientific research in Antarctica, and digital sequence information under the Convention for Biological Diversity. The candidate will be involved in the selection, design, and implementation of cases.

The appointed PDRA will take day-to-day responsibility for managing and co-ordinating this workpackage, but will also contribute to the other workpackages of the project. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in and travel to project meetings, conferences, and to conduct field research.

The successful candidate will have an evidenced commitment to research, methodological innovation, and publication, consistent with the principles of open and responsible science. We welcome applicants from recent doctoral graduates, more experienced early career researchers, or qualified candidates who also have relevant professional experience. The project is both collaborative and interdisciplinary, and the successful candidate might have a background in science policy studies, scientometrics or other metascientific studies, STS, public policy, international relations, or the history of science and technology.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates who combine two or more of these backgrounds in their training or prior research experience or who can combine a strong background in one or more of these fields with relevant professional experience. The project involves a mix of historical, qualitative, and quantitative research methods, and we are particularly interested in applicants with a demonstrably strong record in rigorous historical or qualitative methods. Candidates should also be able to demonstrate strong project management skills and experience or a strong interest in communicating the results of research beyond academic audiences. The successful candidate should already have obtained their PhD or be nearing completion.

In the Additional Information section of the application form, please include discussion of your capabilities, experience and methodological skills, and your interests and experience as they relate to the themes of the project.

The successful candidate will work with the Manchester co-investigators on the project Professor Kieron Flanagan and Professor Cornelia Lawson. They will be appointed into the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, a world-leading centre for the study of science and innovation policy and management located in the Alliance Manchester Business School. With around 45 members of staff and 30 doctoral students, MIOIR builds on more than five decades of interdisciplinary science, technology and innovation studies in Manchester. The Institute's research, teaching, and engagement activities are based upon a guiding principle of excellence, both in terms of academic rigour and societal relevance. The Institute is also firmly committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for our early career researchers, and researchers are encouraged and expected to play a full part in the intellectual life of the Institute.

The post-holder will be expected to be based in Manchester for the duration of the contract and to be physically present in the Institute several days per week to engage in project and Institute activities.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

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; hybrid working arrangements may be considered.