Research Associate in the Politics of military labour association in Europe

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We are looking to appoint a Research Associate to contribute to the delivery of a research project on the politics of military labour association and military unionisation in Europe. The project, funded by a standard grant from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), will be based in the School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations and led by Dr Joanna Tidy.

This is an excellent opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher to undertake research at the intersection of critical military studies, critical and feminist international relations and political economy, contribute to the development of scholarship on the politics of military labour, and to develop knowledge exchange and impact with and for partners and stakeholders. The role will involve reviewing and synthesising academic literature, data collection (conducting interviews and creating a corpus of texts from contemporary and archival sources), qualitative data analysis, knowledge exchange and impact activities, contributing to the organisation of events, and writing outputs for academic and non‑academic audiences.

We are seeking a candidate with a PhD (at or near completion) in politics, international relations, political economy or a cognate field and with expertise in relation to military power, military work and labour, the politics of unions, and/or critical and feminist approaches. Candidates should have experience producing high quality research and writing, the ability to write for different audiences, experience with qualitative social science methodologies, effective communication skills, the ability to contribute to event organisation, and the ability to work independently and closely with a team.

• Reviewing and synthesising relevant academic literature.
• Undertaking data collection, including conducting interviews and creating a corpus of texts.
• Contributing to the qualitative analysis of interview data and texts.
• Contributing to the development and delivery of the knowledge exchange and impact programme, including contributing to the design, organisation, and delivery of meetings, workshops and events with non-academic stakeholders.
• Contributing to the writing of reports and outputs for academic and stakeholder audiences.
• Contributing to the development of academic networks, including publicising the project on social media and contributing to the organisation and delivery of an academic workshop.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
• Travel internationally where required for data collection, stakeholder engagement and conferences.

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential Or Desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Have or be near to completion of a PhD in politics, international relations, political economy or a cognate field.

Essential Application/interview

Expertise in a relevant area, for instance but not limited to military power, military work and labour, the politics of unions, and/or critical and feminist approaches.

Essential Application/Interview

Evidence of high-quality research and writing in your area of expertise and the ability to collaborate and contribute to writing research outputs for academic and non-academic audiences, for example journal articles, reports, briefings.

Essential Application/Interview

Essential Experience of using qualitative social science methodologies.

Application/Interview

Ability to contribute to the planning and organisation of research and project events, for example workshops, seminars, and non-academic engagement activities.

Essential Application/Interview