Research Associate; Post-Doctoral Researcher

Research Associate (Post‑Doctoral Researcher) (6201)

Faculty/Department:
International Politics

Salary: £39,905.97 – £46,048.78 per annum (pro rata)

Contract type:
Fixed Term

Duration: 1 September 2026 – 31 August 2028

Weekly hours: 29.2 hours per week (Part‑Time)

Employment visa:
Non‑sponsorable

The Department of International Politics invites applications for a Research Associate position to support the ESRC‑funded project "The Unarmed Civilian Protection in South Sudan Dataset". The successful candidate will work closely with the Project Lead and Visiting Researcher to transform Nonviolent Peace force’s text data into a gold‑standard quantitative dataset, create a codebook, conduct coding and quantitative analysis, co‑author research outputs, and present findings at conferences.

• Create a new gold‑standard dataset from Nonviolent Peace force’s text data, conceptually defining key variables and sampling primary data.
• Develop a codebook, produce a toolkit, and support training of the project partner’s staff.
• Analyse the data using appropriate quantitative methods.
• Co‑write and publish academic articles, training manuals, and policy briefs.
• Facilitate dissemination, impact, and knowledge sharing activities, including presenting at a major academic conference.
• Engage and communicate with project partner Nonviolent Peace force and other stakeholders.
• Organise and facilitate online and offline capacity‑building activities for the partner and stakeholders.
• Participate in departmental research events and the wider research community.
• Liaise with research‑relevant departments at Aberystwyth University as required.
• Undertake additional duties as assigned by the line manager, commensurate with the role’s grade.
• Promote equality of opportunity and support the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., conflict, humanitarianism, peacekeeping, nonviolent resistance).
• Knowledge of quantitative research techniques, methods and analysis.
• Experience designing, collecting and analysing quantitative data in related fields.
• Advanced skills in statistical software (Stata, R or Python).
• Understanding of data management and archiving.
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills.
• Ability to work to deadlines, operate flexibly and independently.
• Awareness of the university’s bilingual context and related procedures.

• Emerging track record of peer‑reviewed journal articles in the social sciences.
• Experience with geospatial data and spatial models.
• Knowledge of quasi‑experimental and causal methods.
• Moderate to advanced GIS skills (e.g., QGIS).
• Oral (spoken) and written Welsh Level B1*

• Flexible working policy.
• Hybrid working options.
• 36.5‑hour week for full‑time roles.
• Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days.
• Commitment to professional development.
• Enhanced contribution to the workplace pension scheme.
• Staff recognition and reward schemes.
• Opportunity to learn Welsh at no cost.
• Staff relocation bursary.
• Maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave.
• Staff discounts for gym, hospitality and retail on campus.

Submit an online application via , including a CV and a covering letter (maximum two A4 pages) addressing the essential and desirable criteria. Applications are open to full‑time, part‑time, job share and term‑time only arrangements.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, those with disabilities and female candidates. The University is a bilingual institution committed to equal opportunities and Welsh language standards.

Contact:
Human Resources, Aberystwyth University, Visulisation Centre, Penglais Campus, Ceredigion, SY23 3BF
. Tel: (01970) 628555. Email: