Research Associate - 'Technology-Enabled Circularity (TEC): Digitalisation and Sustainability in Man

The role

Based at Bristol University Management School with Dr Jennifer Johns, you will work as part of a interdisciplinary team in collaboration with researchers in Engineering and Management at the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. The project 'Technology-Enabled Circularity (TEC): Digitalisation and Sustainability in Manufacturing' is part of the GW4's Building Communities programme and runs from 1st June to 30th November 2022. The project brings together existing academic expertise on circular economies and sustainability with that of digital manufacturing. Despite the potentially significant contribution of existing and emerging knowledge of technological solutions to sustainability, and circularity in particular, there is still relatively little academic work that engages and unifies across these two areas. This network will explicitly draw together researchers working on both digital manufacturing and circular economies to develop wider dialogue and ensure interdisciplinary spread. The project has two interrelated objectives. First, to deepen our academic understandings and integrate perspectives from across the social sciences and STEM in a truly interdisciplinary network. Second, to help meet industry and policy demand for potential solutions to social and economic problems through securing grant funding.

What will you be doing?

You will work to build a community of scholars, using online methods and a series of face-to-face workshops held across the South West. The role will involve collecting, organising and analysing existing academic, industry and policy documents on digitalisation and circular economies to produce a high-quality publication as a project output. You will write grant applications in collaboration with project academics. The role also includes working with industry and co-authoring an industry-focused publication on this research area. The role is an exciting opportunity to develop your interdisciplinary career.

You should apply if

You will hold a PhD in a relevant area (or equivalent qualifications/experience). We will consider applicants from across the social sciences, humanities and engineering. Expertise in digital manufacturing or circular economies is desirable. You will have the ability to produce high quality research publications for appropriate career stage.

You will also be able to demonstrate good organizational abilities, ability to deliver projects within a specified timescale, ability to communicate complex ideas to a range of different audiences across disciplines and possibly experience of making grant applications. You should have an ability to meet deadlines, a commitment to acquiring new knowledge and skills and an interest in working with STEM. The project will involve close liaison with other academics and key personnel in the project - an ability to work in a collaborative setting with a range of stakeholders including industry and government is desired.

We welcome applications from all members of our community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBT+ and BAME communities, to join us.