Post Doctoral Research Associate

Job Description: 

About the Role 

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We’d expect this to be at least once per week. 

AstrobiologyOU is an interdisciplinary research group addressing the scientific, ethical and governance challenges associated with the advancement of astrobiology and related space exploration missions. It spans three Faculties: The Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, the Faculty of Business and Law, and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, bringing together 60 members with expertise in science, international development and governance.  The Group’s activities are supported by funding from UK Research councils, The UK Space Agency, The European Space Agency, and commercial activities, and has grown to its current strengths through a £7.4 million investment from Research England’s Expanding Excellence in England scheme.
  
AstrobiologyOU is committed to building an inclusive research environment. The Group supports flexible working arrangements, within the limits of the post, and particularly welcomes applications from groups traditionally under-represented in STEM.   

The Open University is recruiting a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Astrobiology Ethics.
You would be welcomed into AstrobiologyOU, an interdisciplinary research group investigating the feasibility of life beyond the Earth, and its scientific, governance and ethical implications. You would be based within the School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences to undertake research that strongly aligns with the remit of AstrobiologyOU, in close collaboration with other members of the group.  
You would be involved in defining the emerging area of astrobiology ethics, focusing on social, environmental and philosophical issues associated with finding evidence of life and communicating that to wider society.  

Key Responsibilities

• To undertake research to analyse the potential ethical issues associated with detecting microbial life beyond Earth, for example via life detection missions. This may include analysing social and environmental aspects related to the missions and their outcomes.
• To explore the challenges, risks and opportunities related to communicating about evidence of life beyond Earth, including due consideration of engagement with diverse and varied communities.
• To learn lessons from Earth-based scientific campaigns that have led to the finding of new organisms. This includes summarising learning from their communication and proposing new paths for communicating about evidence of life beyond Earth.
• To engage with different audiences and communities who may be affected in diverse ways by the discovery of microbial life, including to understand the question of justice in relation to knowledge (epistemic justice/injustice).
• To apply methodologies and approaches appropriate to the research programme.
• To undertake research that is internationally excellent and leads to high-impact peer-reviewed publications;
• To be an active member of AstrobiologyOU, attending regular research group meetings and sharing knowledge with other members of the team;
• To present results and participate in seminars and workshops aimed at sharing research outcomes, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and enhancing the reputation of AstrobiologyOU;
• To contribute expertise and ideas to research projects, methodologies and teaching areas, as appropriate;
• To carry out administrative tasks associated with this work, such as risk assessments, workload planning, career development and staff appraisals;
• To undertake professional development aligned with the job role and future aspirations;
• To have a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity;
• To participate in the national and international science community and learned societies;
• To undertake other duties, as directed by their Line Manager. 

Skills and Experience

You will have a PhD (completed or shortly to be obtained) in, or recent experience in astrobiology/space/planetary ethics or a relative cognate subject area including philosophy, geography, governance, cultural studies, anthropology.

Essential Requirements

• PhD (completed or shortly to be obtained) in, or recent experience in astrobiology/space/planetary ethics or a relative cognate subject area including philosophy, geography, governance, cultural studies, anthropology.
• A demonstrable record of communicating research through peer reviewed publications and conference presentations (as fitting career stage).
• Experience of analysing problems and working creatively to develop innovative and workable solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication in a variety of contexts, including the ability to offer and receive constructive criticism;
• Ability to plan and prioritise own workload and work to agreed deadlines.
• Demonstration of taking responsibility and accountability for tasks while making effective use of available resources, information and feedback to improve efficiency, productivity and overall performance.
• Demonstration of a personal commitment to developing interpersonal skills, with an understanding of impact on individuals, respecting and valuing diversity. 

Desirable: 

• Experience, or knowledge of, social, ethical and philosophical debates related to astrobiology.
• Experience of working across discipline boundaries or in interdisciplinary teams;
• Evidence of contributions to public engagement or educational activities. 

To apply for this role please submit a CV and personal statement, up to 1,000 words, you should set out in your statement why you’re interested in this role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the required competencies for this role as detailed in the job and person specification.

A link to the job description can be found here.