📊 Job Summary Table of Postdoctoral Research Associate

🎯 Job Description Summary

King’s College London seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in Gender Studies and International Relations for a groundbreaking ERC-funded research project examining relational harm and family targeting in war contexts across three contemporary case studies.

🔬 Responsibilities

• Conduct interdisciplinary research on gender studies dimensions of forced family separation and its long-term legacies using feminist and critical theoretical frameworks
• Lead qualitative fieldwork research in one of three contemporary case studies: Sri Lanka, Peru, or the Rohingya community in Bangladesh
• Contribute to archival research examining family separation during World War Two period, including work with International Committee of the Red Cross archives
• Collaborate with international NGO partners and the project’s legal consultant to ensure comprehensive research approaches
• Publish peer-reviewed research papers and contribute to edited collections focusing on gender studies and international relations
• Present research findings at academic conferences and contribute to the project’s online content and dissemination activities
• Work closely with Principal Investigator Dr. Rebekka Friedman and other Postdoctoral Research Associates in a collaborative team environment
• Participate in project administration, team meetings, and organize academic events related to the research
• Maintain ethical research standards with particular attention to trauma-informed methodologies and safeguarding protocols
• Engage with interdisciplinary literature spanning victimology, refugee studies, social reproduction, and reproductive politics

🌟 Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary package of £44,355 – £51,735 per annum including London Weighting Allowance
• 30-month fixed-term contract providing substantial career development opportunities
• Full visa sponsorship available for international candidates requiring right to work in the UK
• Access to King’s College London’s extensive research facilities and resources
• Mentorship and career development support from experienced academic staff
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge ERC Consolidator Grant funded research
• Professional development through conference attendance and publication support
• Collaborative international research environment with NGO partnerships
• Access to world-class archives and research collections
• Contribution to socially impactful research addressing contemporary global issues

🏛️ Company Overview

The School of Security Studies at King’s College London represents one of the world’s largest multi-disciplinary communities dedicated to understanding security, conflict, and war in our complex global landscape. Combining expertise from the War Studies and Defence Studies Departments with the King’s Institute for Applied Security Studies, the institution leads groundbreaking research in gender studies, international relations, and security studies. The university’s commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship creates an ideal environment for Postdoctoral Research Associates to develop innovative research approaches.

🤝 Company Culture

King’s College London fosters an inclusive and welcoming academic environment that embraces diversity and ensures all community members feel connected and valued. The Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy actively supports a culture of diversity and inclusion for both staff and students. The collaborative research environment encourages interdisciplinary dialogue and innovative approaches to complex global challenges. Team members work closely with international partners, creating opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and learning.

📈 Career Growth Opportunities

This Postdoctoral Research Associate position offers exceptional career development prospects within the academic and research sectors. Successful candidates will gain valuable experience in international collaborative research, interdisciplinary methodologies, and trauma-informed research practices. The role provides opportunities to build expertise in gender studies and international relations while developing essential skills in project management, grant administration, and academic leadership. The position serves as an excellent stepping stone toward independent research careers and academic positions globally.

🌍 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

King’s College London demonstrates unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive academic environment where all individuals can thrive regardless of background. The institution actively works with staff and unions to develop and maintain a diverse and inclusive culture. This Postdoctoral Research Associate position particularly welcomes applications from underrepresented groups in gender studies and international relations, supporting the project’s commitment to examining marginalized perspectives and experiences.

⚖️ Equal Opportunity Statement

King’s College London operates as an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair recruitment practices and non-discrimination. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of nationality, with full visa sponsorship available for international applicants requiring right to work in the UK.

🏠 Remote Work Policy

This Postdoctoral Research Associate position requires on-site presence at the Strand Campus in London. While the role involves international fieldwork components, the primary base of operations remains at King’s College London facilities. The university provides comprehensive support for researchers conducting international fieldwork, including safety protocols and logistical assistance.

📝 Application Process

1. Submit comprehensive CV highlighting relevant research experience in gender studies and international relations
2. Provide detailed supporting statement demonstrating how you meet essential criteria listed in the advertisement
3. Indicate regional expertise and which case study you would be qualified to oversee based on relevant experience
4. Include evidence of desirable criteria where applicable, particularly language skills and methodological expertise

⏰ 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 applications through the official King’s College London recruitment portal. Interview rounds are scheduled for July 2025. For inquiries regarding the position, contact Dr. Rebekka Friedman at Rebekka.friedman@kcl.ac.uk.

📱 Social Media Links

• King’s College London LinkedIn
• King’s College London Twitter
• War Studies Department

❓ FAQs or Additional Information

Q: Can candidates who have submitted their PhD thesis but are awaiting award apply?

A: Yes, such candidates will be appointed as Research Assistant at Grade 5, with promotion to Postdoctoral Research Associate upon PhD confirmation.

Q: Are applications welcome from candidates outside traditional IR backgrounds?

A: Yes, applicants from various social science and humanities backgrounds are welcome provided their PhD research maintains a strong gender studies focus.

Q: What language skills are particularly valuable?

A: Tamil, Spanish, or Rohingya language capabilities are highly desirable given the project’s case study locations.

Q: Will there be opportunities for additional training?

A: The position includes comprehensive career development and mentorship opportunities, particularly in trauma-informed research methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches.

This Postdoctoral Research Associate opportunity at King’s College London represents an exceptional chance to contribute to groundbreaking research in gender studies and international relations while developing essential academic and research skills in a supportive, internationally recognized institution.

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