Research Associate: Responsible Research and Innovation in Future Biomanufacturing

We seek to appoint a Research Associate in the Responsible Research and Innovation Group (RRI Group) at the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research to work with the Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub (Future BRH) at The University of Manchester.

You will undertake research at the interfaces of responsible research and innovation (RRI), governance, and engineering biology. We are keen to support research that advances understanding and responsible innovation practices related to sustainability, commercialization, regulation, and policy in engineering biology and in the scaling-up and governance of biomanufacturing. The Research Associate will contribute to one or more of these themes. The researcher can also put forward an additional research theme related to RRI in future biomanufacturing. The researcher may also be involved in other RRI activities related to Future BRH training, workshops, and engagement.

The Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (MIOIR, https://www.mioir.manchester.ac.uk/ ) is a world leading centre for the study of science and innovation policy and management. Our 45 members of staff and 50 doctoral students build on more than five decades of interdisciplinary science, technology and innovation studies in Manchester. MIOIR’s RRI Group is part of MIOIR’s research and engagement theme on Emerging Technologies and Governance. MIOIR is housed at the the Alliance Manchester Business School (https://www.alliancembs.manchester.ac.uk/ ) which is recognized as one of the world’s leading business schools.

The Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub (https://futurebrh.com/ ) is led by The University of Manchester in partnership with Imperial College London, the University of Nottingham, University College London, the UK Catalysis Hub, the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre, and the Centre for Process Innovation. The Future BRH is developing industrial biotechnology towards efficient and sustainable biobased manufacturing for key UK sectors: Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Engineering Materials and Fuels. By connecting interdisciplinary discovery science together with industry, the Future BRH is pursuing innovative biomanufacturing solutions to help grow sustainable bioeconomies.

This position will support a scholar who seeks to develop leading-edge research related to the governance of emerging technologies and responsible research and innovation and who wants to engage in a multidisciplinary team environment on themes related to future biomanufacturing and bioeconomy. The successful candidate will have a commitment to research and publication and also to engagement. The position is open to applicants who combine an undergraduate qualification in biology or biochemistry (including relevant subfields of these disciplines) with doctoral training, research and qualification in public policy, science and innovation studies, science, technology and innovation policy, management or other relevant social science fields. We seek evidence of awareness and use of approaches related to responsible research and innovation, sustainable development, engineering biology policy, or related areas, and evidence of awareness of and engagement with intermediary and governance strategies relevant for engineering biology and biomanufacturing. Demonstrated experience with qualitative research methodologies, including for primary evidence collection and analysis, is also required. We welcome applicants from early career researchers. The PhD is expected to be completed prior to commencing employment, although we will consider applicants who have submitted their thesis prior to the start date of 1 September 2025.

The Research Associate in Responsible Research and Innovation will work under the supervision of Professor Philip Shapira of the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research and Lead for RRI with the Future BRH.

We are committed to creating a fully inclusive and flexible culture, one where everyone can realise their potential and make a positive contribution. We believe that if we can positively diversify our staff we will be able to collaborate more effectively and create a more productive environment.

If you think you will be a good fit for one of these roles we look forward to hearing from you!

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 support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, 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.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Rosalind Le feuvre

Email: r.a.le-feuvre@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.