At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects on regulatory pathways for Engineering Biology in the Environment sector.
- Company: Cranfield University, a leader in technology and management education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of biologies while collaborating with top scientists and regulators.
- Qualifications: PhD or nearing completion in relevant fields; experience in regulatory processes.
- Other info: Join a diverse community committed to equality and flexible working.
The predicted salary is between 37897 - 38887 £ per year.
Organisation: Cranfield University
Faculty or Department: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Based at: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work: 37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.
Contract type: Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Period: For 12 months
Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £37,897 to £38,887 per annum
Apply by: 08/03/2026
We welcome applications for a stimulating opportunity to shape the socially responsible use of novel biologies.
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.
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 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
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 in Bedford employer: Unist
Contact Detail:
Unist Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in the Regulation of Engineering Biology in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the engineering biology field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in regulatory processes and engineering biology. Show us you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the role. We want to hear how you can contribute to navigating those regulatory pathways.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Cranfield University.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in the Regulation of Engineering Biology in Bedford
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, so don’t hold back!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work shine through! We love candidates who are excited about the intersection of natural science, engineering, and governance. Share any relevant projects or research that demonstrate this passion.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your main points stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Cranfield University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Unist
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the technical aspects of engineering biology and regulatory processes. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in the field, especially those related to biosafety and environmental applications. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Your Interdisciplinary Skills
Since this role involves working at the intersection of natural science, engineering, and governance, be prepared to discuss your experience in interdisciplinary projects. Highlight specific examples where you've collaborated with different fields, as this will demonstrate your ability to navigate complex challenges.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in regulatory approval pathways. Think about potential challenges in the Engineering Biology sector and how you would approach them. This will showcase your analytical thinking and readiness to tackle real-world issues.
✨Align with Their Values
Cranfield University values ambition, impact, respect, and community. During the interview, reflect these values in your responses. Share experiences that illustrate how you've contributed to a positive team environment or made an impact in your previous roles, aligning yourself with their culture.