Research Assistant in the Department of Global Health & Social Medicine

Job description

The Department of Global Health & Social Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join a Wellcome Trust funded project exploring how biotechnology is reshaping our understanding of the human, and transforming relations between humans and other animals. The project, called Biomedical Research and the Politics of the Human (  www.politicsofthehuman.org) explores the role of cell-based biotechnologies on human and animal health, such as organoids, multi-cellular living systems, animal models and new techniques in bioengineering.    

The project aims to investigate the bioethical, social and political implications of emerging biotechnologies. As a Research Assistant, you will be responsible for supporting the Principal Investigator  in conducting research, contributing to project publications, and creating online content to disseminate our findings to various audiences. 

Responsibilities will include: 

• Assist in conducting qualitative research, including conducting interviews, analysing data, and writing up research findings 
• Contribute to writing and editing academic publications and conference presentations 
• Create engaging and informative online content, including blog posts, social media updates, and website content 
• Support project coordination and organization, including scheduling meetings and events, maintaining project records and bibliographic databases, and liaising with stakeholders and participants 

The appointed person will have an undergraduate and a Masters degree in the social sciences, bioethics and/or humanities. The post would especially suit someone currently doing (or planning to do) a PhD in the social sciences or humanities. The appointed person will have a knowledge of qualitative social science research methods and some experience and familiarity with emerging biotechnologies, the relationship between science and society and bioethical analysis. The appointed person will also have excellent organisational skills, a strong ability to communicate and the aptitude to think critically.  

This post will be offered on a full-time, fixed term contract for 12 months. However, the latest possible end date is 31 December 2024.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in conducting qualitative research, including conducting interviews, analysing data, and writing up research findings  
• Contribute to writing and editing academic publications and conference presentations 
• Create engaging and informative online content, including blog posts, social media updates, and website content 
• Support project coordination and organization, including scheduling meetings and events, maintaining project records and bibliographic databases, and liaising with stakeholders and participants 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria  

1.       Completed Undergraduate Degree in a relevant area of the social sciences or humanities, or sciences (e.g. sociology, science communication, science and technology studies) 

2.       Completed Master Degree in a relevant area of the social sciences or humanities (e.g. sociology, bioethics, science communication, science and technology studies) 

3.       Knowledge of biotechnology, bioethical issues and contemporary biomedicine (e.g. demonstrated interest in biotechnology and its broader implications) 

4.       Strong research skills, including knowledge of qualitative research methods (e.g. interviewing, content analysis) 

5.       Excellent writing and communication skills, with experience writing for academic and/or public audiences 

6.       Familiarity with online content management, including social media platforms, website management and bibliographic software 

7.       Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 

8.       Ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently, managing multiple tasks and deadlines 

Desirable criteria

1.       Familiarity with cell-based biotechnologies such as organoids or multicellular living systems, preferably