Research Associate/ Fellow (Social Study of Synthetic Genomics)

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.

As a Research Associate/Research Fellow you can expect to be involved in:

• 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.

What will you bring to the role?

• 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 collaborative and engage effectively with a range of stakeholders and partners.

What we can offer in return

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

• Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (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 more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

This role is based at the School of Social Sciences and the university-level research centre, the Centre for Global Science and Epistemic Justice (GSEJ). The School has been ranked 3rd in the UK for overall research quality, with 100% of its environment classified as world-leading in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). GSEJ serves as a hub for transdisciplinary and international collaboration on major research programmes. It has co-hosted a G20 India-UK dialogue on science diplomacy, and its policy recommendations on global biodata governance were included in the formal Think 7 communiqué to the G7 presidency in 2024.

We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/

Please see the links below to view the full job descriptions for each post and to apply.

For enquiries about the roles, please contact Joy Y. Zhang via email at ***email_hidden***. For further information regarding the application process, please contact [email protected] quoting reference number SSS-036-26

We particularly welcome applications from female candidates as they are under-represented at this level in this area

• Occasionally we may need to close a vacancy before the published deadline due to a high number of applications being received, therefore we strongly advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. (All vacancies will be open for at least one week.)

PLEASE NOTE: We prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

We know applicants may use AI tools to help prepare job applications. For guidance on how to use AI responsibly and effectively, see: Using AI in your job application

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

The University of Kent values diversity and equality at all levels.

Section

School of Social Sciences

Location

Canterbury

Salary

£39,906 to £54,893 per annum

Grade

Grade 7 to Grade 8

Post Type

Full Time

Contract Type

Fixed Term - Ends 19/05/2030

Release Date

Friday 19 June 2026

Closing Date

23.59 hours BST on Sunday 19 July 2026 (unless otherwise stated*)

Interview Date

Tuesday 04 August 2026

Reference

SSS-036-26