Research Fellow​/Postdoctoral Researcher

Job title: Research Fellow / Postdoctoral Researcher in Political Economy of Structural Transformation (x 5 positions)

Department: Economics

Contract Type: Fixed term contract until 31st August 2028

Grade: 7

Salary: £43,297.57 to £50,562.57 per annum inclusive of London Allowance

Location: Bloomsbury, Camden, Greater London, United Kingdom

Hours: 35

The CSST invites applications for the post of Research Fellow / Postdoctoral Researcher in Political Economy of Structural Transformation with research expertise and interest in one or more of the following areas:

• Energy transition
• Agriculture and food systems
• Livelihoods, work and skills
• Global value chains and international trade
• Industrial policy
• Domestic resource mobilisation

Under the leadership of the Centre co‑directors, the candidate is expected to co‑develop research projects in one or more of the research streams of the Centre and contribute to collaborative research projects within a multi‑disciplinary research team, involving other research fellows and the Policy Fellow hosted by the Centre, as well as a global network of researchers, especially those based in the Global South.

The candidate is expected to contribute to all stages of research, including publication of high‑quality and high‑impact academic papers, dissemination activities and policy engagement.

The Centre for Sustainable Structural Transformation (CSST) is a research centre hosted by the SOAS Economics Department. CSST will conduct path‑breaking research in developing countries, especially those in Africa and Southeast Asia, to inform strategies for structural transformation and economic diversification that are environmentally and socially sustainable. CSST will also advance concrete proposals on how private sector firms and governments can coordinate their efforts towards new industrial pathways for sustainable prosperity.

As the Centre evolves, new research streams will be added, depending on other funding opportunities, potential research partnerships, and demands from policymakers, civil society organisations and businesses. Professors Ha‑Joon Chang and Antonio Andreoni in the SOAS Economics Department co‑direct the CSST.

The Research Fellow / Postdoctoral Researcher is expected to have a strong training in relevant disciplines, including economics, development studies, geography, business, politics and engineering. The candidate will have had a rigorous methodological training in either quantitative or qualitative methods and will be able to collect and use different types of evidence to inform research and policy‑relevant analyses. Regional expertise in Africa and Southeast Asia, and/or experiences in comparative analysis, experiences in relevant sectors and policy areas are desirable, although not necessary.

The candidate will have, or be close to completing, a PhD in relevant disciplines.

We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding working environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well‑being and work‑life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5 closure days over Christmas and Easter).
• Flexible Working Arrangements.
• Occupational pension scheme.
• Learning and Development opportunities.
• Health and Well‑being Initiatives such as cycle‑to‑work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan.
• Enhanced Family Leave including maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Discounted gym membership.

9th August 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and an associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Sponsorship may be offered for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.