Post Doctoral Research Associate in Knowledge Exchange and Social Science

This post is fixed term for 24 months and part time at 0.5 FTE

Closing Date: Sunday 23 April 2023

Interview Date: Monday 15 May 2023

We are looking to recruit a Social Science Research Associate to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of human-robot interaction on farms. 

The University of Lincoln team is working on a large project with the agri-robotics industry, towards an open development platform for robotic crop harvesting. The platform will facilitate open and standardised access to core software and hardware components, providing key functionality such as autonomy, safety or perception enabling rapid robotics adoption by the industry and academia.

The social science aspects of this project will focus on minimising environmental aspects of food production in a way that meets social expectations. This includes, for example, developing standards for safe and responsible use of robotics and robotic systems and developing / assessing socio-economic performance metrics for the use of robotics on farms. Also, framing the human-robot interaction and how this influences industry norms, work practices and perceptions of identity.

Through close collaboration with industry and academic partners, you will be embedded in an international consortium, with excellent opportunities to develop a strong individual research portfolio whilst engaging in impactful and exciting research solving real-world problems.

Applicants should have, or expect to soon obtain, a PhD in a relevant area. You must have expertise in: systematic literature review; qualitative research methods, interview design and techniques and excellent IT skills.

As a contributor to the University's ambition to achieve international recognition as a research-intensive institution, you will be expected to design, conduct and manage original research in the above subject areas and contribute to wider agri-food policy and agri-robotics research. Opportunities to mentor and co-supervise PhD students will also be available to outstanding candidates.

This is a part-time post equivalent to 50% Full Time Employment (FTE), fixed term for 24 months initially, with excellent opportunities for ongoing career development and progression. Informal enquiries about the post can be made to Prof. Louise Manning (email: lmanning@lincoln.ac.uk).

As an institutional Athena SWAN Bronze Award holder we are committed to advancing gender equality in STEM, therefore female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Further details:

• Job Description and Person Specification

We strive for a diverse workforce with the very best employees and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. The University encourages applications from underrepresented groups inclusive of Black, Asian and other minoritised/marginalised ethnic groups, all gender identities and expressions from the LGBT+ community, candidates with a disability, and those that practise different faiths and beliefs, to enhance our One Community where we strive to be kind, patient, and supportive of each other.

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