📊 Job Summary Table of Postdoctoral Research Associate

🎯 Job Description Summary

King’s College London seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an innovative Conflict Studies research project examining relational harm in war and oppression contexts. This 30-month position focuses on groundbreaking research into family separation and its devastating impact on communities worldwide.

📋 Responsibilities

• 🔬 Conduct Advanced Research: Lead qualitative and quantitative research on relational harm and family separation in conflict zones
• 🌍 Field Research Oversight: Manage and execute field research in contemporary case studies including Sri Lanka, Peru, and Rohingya communities
• 📊 Data Analysis and Mapping: Analyze conflict databases and map patterns of relational harm across different geographical contexts
• ✍️ Academic Writing: Produce high-quality research papers for peer-reviewed journals and edited collections
• 🤝 Collaborative Research: Work closely with PI Dr. Rebekka Friedman, partner NGOs, and international research teams
• 🎤 Conference Participation: Present research findings at academic conferences and contribute to the project’s online content
• 📋 Project Administration: Support project management activities and organize research events
• 🛡️ Ethical Research: Maintain commitment to trauma-informed research and ethical safeguarding practices

💰 Benefits and Perks

• 💵 Competitive Salary: £44,355 – £51,735 annually with London Weighting Allowance included
• 🛂 Visa Sponsorship: Full sponsorship available for international candidates requiring UK work authorization
• 📈 Career Development: Comprehensive mentorship program and professional development opportunities
• 🏛️ Prestigious Institution: Work at one of the world’s leading universities in a renowned research environment
• 🌐 International Collaboration: Opportunity to work with global research partners and NGOs
• 📚 Research Resources: Access to extensive academic resources and databases
• 🎯 Fixed-term Contract: Secure 2.5-year position starting January 2026

🏛️ Company Overview

The School of Security Studies at King’s College London stands as a beacon of excellence in understanding security issues within our complex global landscape. This prestigious institution harnesses expertise across the War Studies and Defence Studies Departments, alongside the King’s Institute for Applied Security Studies, creating one of the world’s largest multi-disciplinary communities dedicated to conflict studies research.

King’s College London has established itself as a global leader in academic research, consistently ranking among the top universities worldwide. The institution’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges through rigorous academic inquiry makes it an ideal environment for conducting groundbreaking research on relational harm and its societal implications.

🌟 Company Culture

King’s College London fosters an inclusive and diverse academic environment where innovation thrives. The Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy actively supports a culture of diversity and inclusion for all staff and students. The collaborative atmosphere encourages interdisciplinary research approaches, bringing together scholars from various fields to tackle complex global issues.

The research team operates with a commitment to ethical research practices, particularly in sensitive areas involving trauma and conflict. This culture of responsibility ensures that all research contributes meaningfully to understanding and addressing human suffering while maintaining the highest academic standards.

📈 Career Growth Opportunities

This Postdoctoral Research Associate position offers exceptional career development prospects within the academic research field. Successful candidates will gain valuable experience in large-scale international research projects, enhancing their credentials for future academic appointments or policy-oriented roles.

The position provides opportunities to develop expertise in cutting-edge research methodologies, build international networks with leading scholars and practitioners, and contribute to policy discussions on conflict prevention and peace-building. The mentorship program ensures continuous professional development throughout the appointment period.

🤝 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

King’s College London is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and supported. The institution actively promotes diversity across all dimensions and recognizes that diverse perspectives strengthen research outcomes and academic excellence.

The conflict studies research project specifically addresses issues affecting marginalized communities, reflecting the university’s commitment to social justice and human rights. This alignment between institutional values and research focus creates a meaningful work environment for dedicated researchers.

⚖️ Equal Opportunity Statement

King’s College London is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing fair and equal treatment to all employees and applicants regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality. The university actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups and international candidates.

🏠 Remote Work Policy

This Postdoctoral Research Associate position requires on-site presence at the Strand Campus in London. While the nature of conflict studies research necessitates in-person collaboration and access to specialized resources, the university provides flexible working arrangements where appropriate.

Field research components may involve international travel to case study locations, providing unique opportunities for immersive research experiences while maintaining connection to the London-based research team.

📝 Application Process

1. Prepare Documentation: Submit a comprehensive CV highlighting relevant research experience and publications
2. Supporting Statement: Provide detailed evidence demonstrating how you meet essential criteria for conflict studies research
3. Case Study Indication: Specify which contemporary case studies you’re qualified to oversee based on regional expertise
4. Online Submission: Complete application through King’s College London recruitment portal

⏰ Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 15 June 2025. Early applications are encouraged due to the competitive nature of this Postdoctoral Research Associate position.

📧 How to Apply

Submit your application through the official King’s College London recruitment system. For specific inquiries about the relational harm research project, contact Dr. Rebekka Friedman at Rebekka.friedman@kcl.ac.uk.

Interview sessions are scheduled for July 2025, providing candidates opportunity to discuss their research vision and contributions to this groundbreaking conflict studies initiative.

📱 Social Media Links

• King’s College London LinkedIn
• King’s College London Twitter
• King’s College London Facebook

❓ FAQs or Additional Information

Q: Is this position suitable for recent PhD graduates?

A: Yes, candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting PhD award will be considered, initially appointed as Research Assistant with promotion upon degree confirmation.

Q: What language skills are advantageous?

A: Tamil, Spanish, or Rohingya language abilities are desirable but not essential for this conflict studies research position.

Q: Can I apply for multiple PDRA positions within this project?

A: Yes, qualified candidates may apply for multiple positions, though separate applications focusing on specific selection criteria are required.

This Postdoctoral Research Associate opportunity represents a unique chance to contribute to cutting-edge research on relational harm while building a distinguished academic career at one of the world’s leading institutions for conflict studies.

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