Research Associate in Science Policy

We are looking to appoint an excellent Post-Doctoral Research Associate to work on the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)/Trans-Atlantic Platform (TAP) funded project, “Investigating the relationship between science diplomacy and global democracy, governance, and trust: the role of inclusive metascience observatories.” This collaborative project involves partners from Canada, France, Poland, South Africa, and Brazil and is led by Professor Cassidy Sugimoto of Georgia Tech. The goal is to explore how science diplomacy intersects with democracy, governance, and trust, focusing on the role and potential of metascience.

The Manchester team leads a work package focused on understanding the use and potential of metascience in science diplomacy through interviews, text analysis, case studies and historical research. Potential cases include global governance of Artificial Intelligence governance, governance of Antarctic science, nuclear non-proliferation and the Convention for Biological Diversity. The Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) will manage and coordinate Manchester’s contribution on a day-to-day basis, man work while contributing to other project aspects, and will be expected to participate in and travel to project meetings, conferences and to conduct field research.

Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to methodological rigour and innovation, and to the principles of open and responsible science. Applicants should have a PhD in fields like science policy, scientometrics, STS, public policy, international relations, or the history of science and technology, or be awaiting examination. Interdisciplinary experience combining qualitative and historical research methods would be welcome, as would relevant professional experience in addition to academic qualifications. Applicants should be able to demonstrate expertise in project management and an interest in communicating research findings beyond academia.

The PDRA will work under Professors Kieron Flanagan and Cornelia Lawson at the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (MIOIR), a globally recognized centre for science and innovation studies within the Alliance Manchester Business School. MIOIR emphasizes academic rigor and societal impact, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for early-career researchers. The successful candidate will actively engage in the Institute’s intellectual life and must be based in Manchester, with regular in-person attendance required.

Applicants should discuss their qualifications, methodological skills, experience and interests related to the project in the application’s Additional Information section.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Kieron Flanagan

Email: kieron.flanagan@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

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

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

Advert information