Research Associate: Narratives of Science and Theology

Role Description

The Department of Sociology is looking for a postdoctoral research associate to join the 5-year John Templeton Foundation funded project, ‘Equipping Christian Leaders in an Age of Science’ (ECLAS), based at Durham University and the University of York, and in collaboration with the Church of England. The position is available from April 1 2023 and will run to 31 December 2027.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant social science or humanities discipline with strong communication skills, both written and verbal. They should have experience with conducting qualitative research and of producing digital content suitable for a variety of audiences. Experience of working in an interdisciplinary setting and as part of a team would also be desirable.

Flexible/remote working options are available.

Department

As one of the longest-established and most distinguished in the UK, the Department of Sociology has played an important role in the development of the discipline internationally. Our colleagues’ commitment to research resulted in the Department being ranked by the Times Higher Education as fourth in the UK for research and first for research impact.

We are a collegiate department with a vibrant, research-intensive group of staff. We are based in a modern building on the University’s East Campus.

Role

In this role, you will work with Dr Rees and other members of the ELCAS team to identify suitable examples of science engaged theology/theologically engaged or inspired science, drawn from cross cultural historical and present-day perspectives and shape them into formats suitable for public dissemination. You will help to create a site to host these narratives that supports and encourages comment, debate and other story-related resources. You will work with team members to track these narratives as they move through social/traditional media and will conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis of public responses to these narratives, which you will then (both as an individual and with team members) write up for publication and dissemination in high profile academic journals and for other audiences as appropriate.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• PhD in relevant social science discipline
• Specialist knowledge in science and technology studies, global cultures of science, or science and spirituality
• Knowledge of a range of qualitative research methods and methodologies to engage in high quality research
• Experience of collecting, managing, analysing and presenting qualitative data, ideally in interdisciplinary settings
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to work as part of a team and also to work independently using own initiative; willingness to travel across the UK for fieldwork

Interview date: 12th May, online

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Amanda Rees on amanda.rees@york.ac.uk

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