Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

ABOUT THE POST

We have an exciting opportunity for a fractional Research Assistant (0.6fte) to play a leading role in our awarded project from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) at the Biological Security Research Center (BSRC) led by Professor Lijun Shang. You will primarily conducts research on this grant which combines academic, management and administrative responsibilities.

LMU BSRC is a home for scholars from multidisciplinary subject areas who address biosecurity issues, foster the next generation of researchers, and empower LMU to be a centre of excellence in biosecurity research and education. The Centre has a global vision, embraces scholars from all over the world, focuses on domestic issues and actively engages policy makers and stakeholders. Our key aim is to design a comprehensive biosecurity education for life scientists global strategy, conduct research, and engage with policy makers and general publics.

You will join under the supervision of the Centre Director and other staff involved within the grant. You role will be central in the operation and delivery of this project, which aims to build the foundations of an International Biosecurity Education Network (IBSEN) similar to the International Nuclear Security Education Network (INSEN) developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency and using some of the approaches developed by the Advisory Board for Education and Outreach (ABEO) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. You will be ambitious with considerable self-initiative and a broad intellectual range.

You will be involved in conducting systematic literature searches, carrying out interviews and surveys in person and online, analysing data and drafting of reports, designing and producing newsletters, promoting research outcomes to broad audiences as journal publications, reports, conference presentation, etc. Your responsibility will include developing the International Biological Security Education Network (IBSEN) through producing newsletters, increasing the number of newsletter recipients and helping develop a number of joint biosecurity education projects.

You will also work collectively with experienced members of, and broad collaborators with, the centre.

The position is part-time for 12 months in the first instance, ending of January 2026, and maybe renewed subject to other funds available. 

Main duties and responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the PI you holder will work on developing the IBSEN. Including:

• Setting achievable targets and mechanisms to achieve them;
• Developing links with other University Faculties and other UK Universities to engage them in the network;
• Researching, writing and producing each issue of the quarterly newsletter (1 newsletter every 2 months);
• Increasing the numbers of IBSEN members receive and contribute to the newsletter;
• Monitoring and running the IBSEN website as a central point of information of biosecurity education;
• Publicising and reporting the activities of the developing network to the States Parties of the BTWC, scientists, scientific organisation, media and general public;
• Forging links with organisations such as WHO, OPCW, IAEA, BTWC(ISU) and national and regional scientific and educational bodies with interests in biosecurity education;
• Investigating novel sources of funding for further developing biosecurity education;
• Reporting on the achievement of the targets

Ref: 24SHSC1201

Interviews to be held week commencing 20 January 2025

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