Post-Doctoral Research Assistant

Short info about job

Detail information about job Post-Doctoral Research Assistant. Terms and conditions vacancy

The role and its responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Assistant will undertake research and synthesis activities contributing to writing projects on infrastructure, climate change and finance in South Asia and the Indian Ocean, providing research and editorial assistance to the Director of the South Asia Institute, Professor Edward Simpson. The role will primarily be desk based, reviewing literature, producing syntheses of archive materials, drafting text and conducting internet and literature searches. Some interview/field based research may be required depending on negotiation/experience. A high degree of Internet literacy is required as is the ability to pursue and research leads electronically and to systematically document the results.

Most of the archive materials are currently housed on the NVIVO platform and the role requires familiarity with that software environment. The appointee will have a high degree of self-motivation and a demonstrable pride in the quality of written work and/or field research previously undertaken. The ability to keep careful records and referencing is essential.  

Skills and experience

PhD in social sciences or humanities with a demonstrable fieldwork/ethnographic component is essential. Required: ability to synthesise complex arguments, construct chronological narratives and to write in bold and clear prose. Ability to read French/speak Hindi will be an advantage – given the nature of the research materials.

Further Information

For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Professor Edward Simpson, [email protected].

Competitive benefits package:

As an employer of choice SOAS offers an extensive benefits package including:

• 30 days holiday plus bank holidays and additional School closure days (pro rata for part time staff).
• Pension scheme with generous employer contribution.
• Various loan schemes including season ticket and IT equipment. 
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay provisions, childcare voucher scheme, financial support for childcare. 

About the Institute of South Asia

The SOAS South Asia Institute (SSAI) represents the most extensive and diverse community of scholars working on South Asia of any university in Europe. While most of its members’ research and teaching activities are related primarily to India, the SSAI also provides a home for scholars whose work focuses on Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. The SSAI has a growing number of partnerships with universities and research institutes in South Asia which provide a basis for mutually beneficial collaborations in both teaching and research. It works to strengthen links with SOAS alumni, particularly in South Asia, and to secure philanthropic funding to enhance SOAS’s reach and impact in South Asian Studies and ensure the future sustainability of its more specialised scholarship.

To apply for this vacancy or download a job description, please visit www.soas.ac.uk/jobs.

Closing date: 17th September 2017

Completed applications must be received by 23:59 on the closing date to be considered.

Interviews will provisionally be held in the week commencing: 2nd October 2017.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact [email protected].

At SOAS we celebrate diversity and promote equality and inclusion amongst our staff and students. As such, we welcome applications from all, regardless of personal characteristics or background.