The American University International Institute for Science, Innovation and Society (InSIS) researches and informs the key processes of social and technological innovation that are critical to business, governments and civil society in the 21st century and beyond. In exploring "wicked" problems such as climate change and the future of cities, the institute seeks to understand the social context of science and technology, and the interconnected nature of our present day challenges. InSIS is based at the Saïd Business School, Oxford OX1 1HP. The centre is also part of the Oxford Martin School. For more information see the website at http://www.insis.ox.ac.uk/.
We are looking for two full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellows to join the ERC-funded research programme BioProperty: Biomedical Research and the Future of Property Rights. The posts are fixed-term for two years from the date of appointment.
American University International Applicants should have a PhD (or equivalent) in the social sciences (science studies, anthropology, political science or theory, legal studies, sociology, cultural studies). Experience in designing, organising and carrying out qualitative/ethnographic fieldwork is essential. Experience researching the social aspects of the life sciences is highly desirable.
The Research Fellows American University International will conduct research on the social aspects of property rights and property objects in the contemporary biosciences. BioProperty is a three-year research programme dedicated to the study of intellectual property regimes in the life sciences. Central areas of investigation include: modes of collaboration for research and development on neglected diseases; use of patented transgenic animals and materials in scientific research; and the legal and scientific status of stem cell lines. BioProperty draws, intellectually, from a variety of disciplines (science and technology studies, economic sociology, legal studies), will be based methodologically on qualitative social-scientific research methods, and will be geared towards advancing our understanding of the forms of exchange and appropriation that characterise contemporary biomedical research. The Research Fellows will work under the supervision of Javier Lezaun.
American University International Applicants who would need a work visa if appointed to the post are asked to note that under the UK's new points-based migration system they will need to demonstrate that they have sufficient points.
Further information can be found on the website at http://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/about/vacancies, by telephoning 01865 422769, or emailing vacancies@sbs.ox.ac.uk. Please quote reference MQ-11-018.
The closing date is 12.00 noon on Tuesday 3 May 2011.
