About us: The Science Communication Unit (SCU) at UWE Bristol is recognised for internationally leading research, creative approaches to practice and outstanding teaching. SCU research seeks to bring science and society closer together, and as such we have a core interest in developing research which is societally-relevant and developed in conjunction with those who practice science communication. Our portfolio of activities is extensive, including innovative approaches to engaging diverse publics with science.
We now have a vacancy to join the unit as a Research Associate for a new BA\Leverhulme Small Research Grant project starting in 2023, ‘INSIGHT: Ethical Best Practice In Science Communication And Engagement’ (SRG22\220481) supported by the Leverhulme Trust. INSIGHT aims to identify how researchers and practitioners communicating and engaging about science and health related topics consider the ethical dimensions of their communication. By conducting two stakeholder workshops and two focus groups (one in Bristol, one in Oxford) we will understand more about the role that ethics plays in communication and engagement with research. A series of interviews (10-15) in UK academic institutions, and in museums, science centres, and other informal learning spaces, will contribute to the project gathering UK-based evidence on the ethical dimensions of science communication and public engagement with science and health topics.
The project is being led by Dr Clare Wilkinson, Co-Director of the Science Communication Unit in collaboration with Professor Mike Parker, Director of the Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities (WEH)/Ethox Centre, University of Oxford. We are seeking to recruit a Research Associate to work as part of the research team on this project between April 2023 and January 2024.
The SCU forms part of the School of Applied Sciences, which is a very proud recipient of an Athena SWAN Silver Award and our commitment to creating a culture for gender equality is reflected in a number of ongoing actions related to workload management, flexible working and career development within the Department.
About you: Candidates will be expected to have expertise and experience in order to undertake research associated to this project (co-facilitation of focus groups, and conducting of interviews), support stakeholder workshops, and contribute to data analysis. The Research Associate will also contribute to the development of outputs and dissemination of the project findings. We are looking for candidates with knowledge of qualitative research methods and you may have a background in science communication, social sciences, ethics or a related discipline. Existing knowledge and/or experience in science communication would be beneficial but we can also consider candidates with the requisite research skills who have a willingness to learn and engage with science communication as a discipline during the project.
We are looking for candidates who align to the UWE values. The successful candidate will be supported in this role by an experienced staff within the SCU/WEH team who are also involved with the project.
This post is based at our lively Frenchay campus. However, this post may also occasionally involve meeting with project partners and stakeholders in Oxford.
Frenchay campus has excellent transport links; as well as being located near the motorway network we are within walking distance of two train stations. Our bus terminus connects us to the local bus and metrobus network and we also have a range of cycling and changing facilities, making our campus the ideal place to work for those commuting to Bristol.
Why UWE Bristol?
We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 32,000 students, 250,000 alumni and 4,000 staff from across the globe. We are both globally connected and regionally embedded, with a strong network of employer and partner connections.
We have a lot to be proud of at UWE, our achievements include scoring above sector average for student satisfaction, we are ranked 36th in The Guardian Best UK Universities 2022 and 39th in the latest Times Higher Education 'Table of Tables'.
We are an ambitious and values led university. We're focused on solving future global challenges through outstanding learning, world-leading research and a culture of enterprise and we are looking for people who share our core values to help us achieve those aims.
With inclusivity as a core value, UWE Bristol recognises the power of a truly diverse university community. We support and celebrate the diversity of our staff and students as a key driver for innovation and success, promoting pathways and achievements to inspire and generate confidence and ambition.
In addition to progressive pay rates, UWE Bristol offers a wide range of staff benefits including:
- a generous holiday allowance of 27 days (pro rata)
- up to 12.5 bank holiday/closure days per year
- flexible working
- excellent defined benefit pension schemes
- access to employee assistance programme
- savings on purchases via Wider Wallet scheme
- option to participate in the cycle to work scheme
- family friendly policies
- onsite nursery at our Frenchay Campus.
Further information
This post is a nine-month contract for one day per week/0.2FTE (1st April 2023-1st January 2024).
If you would like an informal discussion this role, please contact SCU Co-Director and INSIGHT Project Lead: [email protected]
The University’s normal practice is that new appointments will be made at the starting point of the grade.
We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian, Multiple Heritage or Other Minority Ethnic candidates as we are currently under-represented in these areas within UWE Bristol however all appointments are made on merit.
Proud to be part of a vibrant, multicultural city that celebrates diversity, we’re always on the lookout for talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Our people are our strength, and diversity enhances our creativity and leads to better decision-making and problem-solving. Bring your talent and ambition to our growing staff community of over 4,000 individuals and find yourself in a stimulating and supportive environment where you’ll thrive. Add your individuality to ours to help set us apart.
We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role under the Home Office Skilled Worker visa route. As we are unable to sponsor anyone requiring a visa for this role candidates must therefore be able to provide their own right to work in the UK.
Should you be shortlisted you will be asked to provide your right to work documents at your interview. Please refer to the Home Office Right to Work Checklist which provides details of which documents are acceptable.
Please note that UWE does not cover any visa or health surcharge costs.