University of Adelaide – Potential Postdoctoral Position: Social Science Perspectives on Synthetic Biology Applications in Transformative Crop Science
The CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Fellowships scheme is funded through the CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform (SynBio FSP), which aims to attract outstanding national and international early- to mid-career postdoctoral researchers (equivalent to Academic Levels A and B, or in exceptional circumstances, Level C) to expand Australian research capacity in synthetic biology. The Fellowships will provide three years of funding (salary and operating expenses) to be administered by the Host Organisation. Fellowships will be hosted at a Host Organisation with strong linkages to CSIRO through a partnering CSIRO Mentor(s) and various joint activities; Fellows must start by 1 November 2018, and must hold a PhD conferred between 1 July 2010 and 1s July 2018. Please see https://research.csiro.au/synthetic-biology-fsp/work-with-us/synbio-fellowships/ for more details of the overall program.
The SynBio FSP is built on a philosophy of responsible development of synthetic biology technology, striving for ethical outcomes and working within the bounds of social acceptance. Hence an interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Adelaide seeks potential applications for this Fellowship scheme focused on social science based approaches for submission within the CSIRO’s Maximing Impact domain, with particular emphasis on uses of synthetic biology applications in transformative crop science. We are seeking candidates with interests, expertise, and skills in the fields of science policy, public understanding of science, and/or responsible research innovation and science and values. Potential topics include comparing more traditional GM and synthetic biology approaches to transformative crop science, development of case studies comparing relevant policy in different locales, or ethics and social justice considerations particularly in relation to diverse stakeholders. The joint supervisors for the fellowship project will be Prof Rachel A Ankeny (School of Humanities, North Terrace campus) and Prof Matthew Gilliham (ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite campus).
To be considered as a potential fellowship candidate to be supported by the University of Adelaide, please mail your c.v. and a brief (no more than 1 page) proposal about your potential research interests in this field to rachel.ankeny@adelaide.edu.au and matthew.gilliham@adelaide.edu.au. We are particularly interested in candidates with strong publication track records as well as previous collaborative experiences working in an interdisciplinary team of scientists and social scientists. We will consider expressions of interest on a rolling basis, in order to assist the successful candidate to craft his/her full application for submission by the internal deadline of the end of February.