Research Fellow for Department of Geography & Environment

The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world Universities and one of the UK’s top 10 research-intensive universities. We have an international reputation for research, teaching and enterprise activities. The Department of Geography & Environment is now seeking to appoint a researcher in Human Geography for a three-year position, funded by the Wellcome Trust as part of a larger Collaborative Award entitled ‘The Laboratory Animal Research Nexus’.  The award is led by Professor Gail Davies (University of Exeter) with Dr Beth Greenhough (Oxford University), Dr Pru Hobson-West (University of Nottingham), Dr Rob Kirk (University of Manchester) and Dr Emma Roe (University of Southampton).

You will be working on a project to study networks of laboratory animal breeding and biobanking of animal tissue within the UK science research community. This project will explore historical and contemporary relations within the supply of animals bred for UK research, the social and ethical challenges around breeding different species of laboratory animal, and the new spaces of care and more-than-human geographies surrounding the storage and reuse of animal tissue.

You will work closely with other team members (based in Exeter, Oxford, Nottingham and Manchester Universities, as well as the project collaborators) to contribute to support the successful development of the overall project.

You will be expected to plan and execute the interview-based phases of the project in conjunction with the Principle Investigator and to conduct literature reviews on laboratory animal supply chains and biobanking (storing biological samples from animals for use in research). You will take a leading role in data analysis and writing up the findings in reports, as well as contributing to the preparation of materials for academic outputs.

You will have a PhD* in human geography or a related field (or equivalent professional qualifications), detailed understanding and knowledge of human geography/animal studies.  Experience of postgraduate research in the areas and specialisms listed above would be advantageous. You will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be able to communicate complex information effectively, engaging the interest and enthusiasm of the target audience. You will be open and willing to engage with a range of perspectives around animal research and able to manage sensitive data.

You will have established expertise in interview and ethnographic research methods and experience of the sub-disciplinary fields of more-than-human geographies, animal geographies, and/or science and technology studies.  Experience of using digital methods for assisting and integrating textual analysis would be advantageous.

*Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

The post is tenable from 1 September 2017. Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Emma Roe (0044) (0) 2380 8059 9222.

Application procedure

You should submit your completed online application form at www.jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Charlene Tyson (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 6803. Please quote reference 871717WR on all correspondence.