Research Associate: AI in Science (Qualitative)

We seek to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on the project “Innovations in the Lab: Leveraging Transformations in Science.” The researcher will be housed at the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, Alliance Manchester Business School, under the supervision of Dr Cornelia Lawson and Professor Philip Shapira.

The successful candidate will undertake research as part of a team project that is exploring how science is being affected by internal, institutional, and system-level transformations and how these developments interact with and influence research practices and innovations in methods and approaches in labs and their research teams.

A series of transitions and shocks – from the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and the automation of research to persistent post-pandemic impacts, funding uncertainties in the face of rising costs, and increased global tensions – present wide-reaching implications for science. These trends and events are themselves occurring in the context of heightened concerns about equity, diversity, and inclusiveness and how science can be relevant and trusted in addressing global sustainability and societal challenges. Together, these developments both promise and require transformations in the fundamental practices of scientific work and notions of scientific expertise and responsibility in research.

The project probes these changes and the innovations they trigger in research labs and teams. We aim to answer the following overarching research questions: (a) How are research practices and priorities, including topic and method choices, team roles, publication outputs, and collaborations, being affected by transformations in science? (b) What is the role of innovations in research approaches and practices in addressing challenges presented by scientific transformations? (c) What are the implications for research management and science policy to address potentially negative effects and facilitate positive learning from innovative practices?

This position will support a scholar who seeks to develop leading-edge research that probes these questions of scientific transformation and innovation using qualitative methods (laboratory ethnography, interviews, qualitative document analysis). The successful candidate will primarily focus on a work package on laboratory case studies in the UK and internationally. This includes in-depth study of research processes at the laboratory and how these are changing, including impacts of the emergence and use of AI, automation and big data in science but also considering developments in global geopolitics and of the pandemic and post-pandemic.

The successful candidate will have a commitment to research and publication and to methodological advancement. We welcome applicants from doctoral graduates, early career researchers, and others for whom this two-year full-time position is suitable. The position is open to applicants from diverse educational backgrounds, including public policy, management, psychology, science and innovation studies, or sociology. Applicants who combine disciplines, for example sciences or engineering at the undergraduate level with social sciences at the doctoral level are encouraged to consider this opportunity. We will also consider candidates with other combinations of qualifications. However, applicants should have a strong record in qualitative methodological research skills, desirably including experience with ethnography in research group settings, and experience or an interest in AI applications to transformations in science. The PhD is expected to be completed prior to commencing employment.

The Manchester Institute of Innovation Research is a world leading centre for the study of science and innovation policy and management. Our 45 members of staff and 30 doctoral students build on more than five decades of interdisciplinary science, technology and innovation studies in Manchester. Our research, teaching and engagement activities are based upon a guiding principle of excellence, both in terms of academic rigour and societal relevance. The successful candidate will be associated with the Institute’s Emerging Technologies and Governance and its Science, Technology and Innovation Policy research themes. The Alliance Manchester Business School is one of the world’s leading business schools, ranked 2nd in the UK for research power. The University of Manchester enjoys a reputation for ground-breaking research and innovation. We are located in the heart of Manchester and the Oxford Road Innovation District.

In the Additional Information section of the application form, please include discussion of your capabilities, experience including required and desirable methodological skills, interests related to the science practices, and transformations in science, and your own proposed research theme.

The University of Manchester values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status.  All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Project PIs: Dr Cornelia Lawson and Prof. Philip Shapira

Email: cornelia.lawson@manchester.ac.uk and pshapira@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

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

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