PhD Studentship – Life Cycle Assessment for Responsible Research and Innovation in Synthetic Biology

School of Sociology and Social Policy / Faculty of Engineering

The Institute for Science and Society (ISS) and the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham are pleased to invite applications for a 4-year fully-funded studentship with an interdisciplinary focus. Based in the BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre, the student will develop a novel methodology for the comprehensive and prospective assessment of the broader environmental and social impacts of synthetic biology. The project is supervised by Dr Alison Mohr (ISS) and Dr Jon McKechnie (Engineering).

Background: Synthetic biology will play a key role in the expected growth of the UK’s industrial biotechnology and bioenergy sector to nearly £10bn by 2035 [1]. To ensure that this growth is beneficial to society more broadly, it is essential to understand and anticipate the potential environmental and social impacts of synthetic biology-related technologies and to use this information to guide technology development and deployment.

This project will integrate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and RRI methods to better understand the potential resource, environmental, and social implications of synthetic biology deployment. The integrated method will identify “hot spots” of high potential impact – e.g., feedstock requirements and procurement impacts, production impacts, product markets and social benefits and risks - and thereby inform ongoing technical research to reduce uneven or unintended consequences. The potential exists for social science to add value to LCA in a number of key ways, including accounting for social benefits and risks, incorporating diverse stakeholder perspectives and understanding ethical and value-driven drivers. The LCA-RRI framework will be applied to suitable case studies of relevance to the energy, chemicals, and/or pharmaceuticals sector.

This 4-year PhD project is part of a University-funded Doctoral Training Programme in Synthetic Biology and associated with Nottingham’s new BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre. Students will benefit from a diverse range of training opportunities, including specialist workshops, lectures and seminars, as well as participation in Nottingham’s yearly BBSRC DTP Spring School event.

The studentship will cover PhD tuition fees and a tax-free stipend for four years (UK students). Due to funding restrictions, this studentship is only available to UK and EU citizens.

The candidate: This position is available to an exceptional candidate who demonstrates the capability and willingness to work outside of conventional disciplinary boundaries. In the application materials, applicants should justify the suitability of their academic background for the research programme while outlining their research ambitions. Excellent quantitative/numerical analysis and communication skills are essential, as qualitative. Familiarity with fuels and chemicals production; appropriate technology; Responsible Research and Innovation; and/or Life Cycle Assessment will be considered an asset.

Deadline: Apply as soon as possible. Interview expected in June 2016 for enrolment starting October 2016

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Alison Mohr ([Email Address Removed]) or Dr Jon McKechnie ([Email Address Removed]).

To apply: Students who satisfy the UK residency requirement will need a 1st or high 2.1 honours degree in a relevant subject in science or engineering with aptitude for social/policy research on the environment OR in the social sciences with an aptitude for engaging with technical details of the environmental systems.

Applications with a CV, a brief statement of research interests and suitability, academic transcripts, and contact information for two referees should be sent to: Dr Alison Mohr ([Email Address Removed]).