Research Associate/Fellow in Social Science of Precision Bred Crops

University of Nottingham; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Disability Confident Employer (Level 2

Athena Swan Gold Award

Candidate Guidance

Job summary

The University of Nottingham invites applications for a Research Associate/Fellow to contribute to PROBITY, a multi-disciplinary project examining how to rate organisms bred for improved traits and yield.

You will work with a team including Dr Stacia Stetkiewicz and BOFIN partners, using social science methods to understand barriers to uptake of precision bred crops in the UK.

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in Social Science, Sociology, Science & Technology Studies, or related interdisciplinary PhD with social science component.
• Experience with qualitative data collection and analysis: interviews, workshops, or textual analysis.
• Knowledge/experience applying GDPR and Responsible Research and Innovation guidelines to data collection, analysis and dissemination.
• Quantitative social science methods (e.g., survey analysis) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Join a multidisciplinary team to study uptake barriers for precision bred crops in the UK.
• Collaborate with Dr Stacia Stetkiewicz and BOFIN partners; liaise with stakeholders across the UK.
• Apply social science methods to understand uptake barriers and inform policy and practice.
• Contribute to dissemination and training opportunities; support research training for career development.

Skills

Qualitative research

Interviews

Workshops

Textual analysis

Survey analysis

GDPR compliance

RRI awareness

Education

PhD in Social Science or related field

Job description

Location

Sutton Bonington

Job Overview

We are seeking a Research Associate/Fellow to join a new multi-disciplinary research team developing A Platform to Rate Organisms Bred for Improved Traits and Yield (PROBITY).

The successful candidate will work closely with Dr Stacia Stetkiewicz, Assistant Professor of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, School of Biosciences at the University of Nottingham, and project partners at the British On Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN), using social science methods to understand barriers to uptake of precision bred crops in the UK.

The role provides an exciting opportunity to work with experienced researchers and liaise with a wide range of stakeholders who are taking a leading role in shaping the future of the uptake of precision bred crops in the UK and beyond. The University of Nottingham also offers a wide range of training and opportunities to researchers at all career levels.

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher, with a strong background in social science research and a passion to make a difference for the future of sustainable agriculture.

Applicants' Qualifications

Applicants must have (or be close to completion of) a PhD in a relevant subject area, such as Social Science, Sociology, Science and Technology Studies, or an interdisciplinary PhD with a substantial social science component, or have equivalent professional experience.

Experience with qualitative research collection and analysis techniques, including at least one of the following is essential: conducting data collection interviews, workshops, and/or textual analysis. Candidates must have knowledge or experience of applying GDPR and Responsible Research and Innovation guidelines to data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Experience with quantitative social science methods, including survey analysis, is desirable.

Social science knowledge and experience is of primary importance for this role, but knowledge or experience of working with precision breeding, agriculture, food systems, or biotechnology will be advantageous.

Working arrangements

The role will be based at the University of Nottingham in the School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, but will involve working with colleagues based at partner institutions across the UK.

Due to the nature of the role, hybrid and remote working for candidates based in the UK will be considered.

This post is available on a fixed term basis for 6 months, hours of work are full time (36.25 hours). Job share arrangements may be considered.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Stacia Stetkiewicz, email [e-mail].

Benefits and inclusion

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) employer. Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us and we are committed to the aims of Disability Confident Scheme.

We are the first university to have achieved Athena Swan Gold Award.

To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.

Discover our benefits, visit Your Benefits website.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.

Salary

£32,080 to £47,389 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35,608 with relevant PhD)