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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to explore science diplomacy and its impact on global governance.
- Company: Be part of a collaborative project led by Georgia Tech, working with international partners.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fantastic pension scheme, health services, generous leave, and local discounts.
- Why this job: Engage in meaningful research that influences policy and promotes inclusivity in science.
- Qualifications: PhD or nearing completion; strong background in science policy, STS, or related fields required.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; we value diversity and welcome all applicants.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Working with partners in Canada, France, Poland, South Africa and Brazil, and led by Professor Cassidy Sugimoto of Georgia Tech in the United States, 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 widers 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 the interviews, document analysis and 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.
What you will get in return:
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Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
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Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
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Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
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Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
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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 you can find out more here
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Kieron Flanagan
Email: kieron.flanagan@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
Research Associate in Science Policy employer: The University of Manchester
Contact Detail:
The University of Manchester Recruiting Team
People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Science Policy
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the key themes of the project, such as science diplomacy and metascience. Understanding these concepts will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any interdisciplinary experience you have, especially if it combines science policy studies, STS, or international relations. This will show that you can contribute to the collaborative nature of the project.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management skills and any relevant experiences managing research projects. Being able to articulate how you've successfully coordinated work in the past will be a strong asset.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider potential case studies you could propose based on your background. Bringing fresh ideas to the table will not only showcase your expertise but also your proactive approach to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Science Policy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Project: Familiarize yourself with the project's goals and objectives, especially regarding science diplomacy and its relationship with democracy and governance. This understanding will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize any experience you have in science policy studies, metascience, or related fields. Be specific about your methodological skills and how they align with the project's interdisciplinary nature.
Discuss Methodological Skills: In the Additional Information section, clearly articulate your methodological skills and experiences. Discuss how these skills can contribute to the project's aims, particularly in historical, qualitative, and quantitative research methods.
Showcase Project Management Abilities: Demonstrate your project management skills in your application. Provide examples of past projects where you coordinated tasks, managed timelines, or collaborated with diverse teams, as this role requires strong organizational capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Showcase Your Research Commitment
Be prepared to discuss your previous research experiences and how they align with the themes of the project. Highlight any methodological innovations you've contributed to and your commitment to open and responsible science.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Since the role involves managing and coordinating a work package, be ready to provide examples of your project management experience. Discuss how you have successfully led projects in the past and how you plan to apply those skills in this position.
✨Prepare for Interdisciplinary Collaboration
This project is collaborative and interdisciplinary, so emphasize your ability to work with diverse teams. Share examples of how you've collaborated across different fields or disciplines in your previous work.
✨Communicate Beyond Academia
The role requires communicating research findings to policymakers and the public. Prepare to discuss your experience in translating complex research into accessible language and how you would approach outreach in this role.
