Senior Research Assistant (History and/or Philosophy of Science)

Contract Length: 3 years ending 31/08/2029.

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking to recruit an outstanding Post-doctoral Research Associate to join the Wellcome Trust-funded project ‘Contragestive Time: Pregnant Uncertainties in Fertility Control'. Involving collaborators from Birkbeck, University of Sussex, University of Bristol, King's College London, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service.

The project brings together a team of 12 clinicians, social scientists, lawyers, philosophers, humanities scholars and advocates to: rethink concepts of early pregnancy and reproductive timing; challenge outdated legal and regulatory frameworks; test the feasibility of new clinical services; and engage with the public and policymakers to shape a more inclusive future for fertility control. Together the team will investigate ‘contragestive' technologies, which would work in the crucial but overlooked window after ovulation and before early abortion is possible. By building better understandings of the cultural meanings of the timing of reproduction, generating new medical evidence, challenging legal frameworks and learning from activist histories, ‘Contragestive Time' will lay the foundations for the next generation of fertility control.

About the Role
The Research Associate's work will lie primarily within one Work Package of ‘Contragestive Time', focussing on ‘boundary work' in very early pregnancy, tracing the development of the historical, biomedical, legal, and philosophical contexts that have shaped and constrained contragestive time and technologies. Working closely with Stella Sandford (Philosophy), Lisa Baraitser (Psychosocial Studies), Sally Sheldon (Law), and Paula Baraitser (King's College Hospital), this strand of the project aims to historicise and philosophically interrogate concepts in reproductive biology (e.g. ‘ovum', ‘conception', ‘implantation', ‘gestation'), investigating how they underpin understandings of fertility control, gestational time, and the legal, metaphysical and normative work done by boundaries in fertility control.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake high-quality, potentially high-impact academic research in one or more of the fields of History and/or Philosophy of Science or History and/or Philosophy of Medicine as a contribution to the Research Project ‘Contragestive Time: Pregnant Uncertainties in Fertility Control'.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team in furthering the overall aims of the Research Project.
• Attend Team meetings, both in person and online.
• Publish and disseminate research findings relevant to the Research Project through relevant journals, conferences, seminars and public engagement events.
• Participate in and contribute to the organisation of workshops, conferences, seminars and reading groups.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated person who:

• Has a doctoral level qualification in a relevant area; for example, History and/or Philosophy of Science, Philosophy, Science & Technology Studies, Anthropology.
• Has specialist knowledge in one or more of the fields of History and/or Philosophy of Science or History and/or Philosophy of Medicine.
• Has the ability to undertake original and potentially high-impact research, both singly and as part of a research team, co-ordinating effort and resources.
• Has the ability to build relationships and establish networks with internal and external contacts.
• Has effective oral and written communication skills, to write up research findings in a range of formats for both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

To apply:
Please apply via our application portal (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button). Please submit your CV and a Cover Letter of no more than 2 pages outlining i) how you meet the essential requirements as set out in the job specification; and ii) how you envisage you could contribute to the relevant work package of the ‘Contragestive Time' project. Only applications with cover letters will be considered at shortlisting.

For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Professor Stella Sandford - s.sandford@mmu.ac.uk.

Deadline for applications: Friday 10 July 2026.

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 8 September 2026.

Why Join Us?
At Manchester Met, you'll be part of a vibrant research community with a strong commitment to innovation, collaboration and real-world impact. We offer a supportive environment that encourages professional development and career progression.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the Job Description for that vacancy.