At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research on unarmed civilian protection using quantitative analysis.
- Company: Aberystwyth University, a bilingual institution committed to equal opportunities.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, professional development, and free Welsh language lessons.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and contribute to transformative research outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in conflict resolution and humanitarian efforts.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and expertise in quantitative research methods.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
The Department of International Politics is inviting applications for a position as Research Associate to conduct research as part of the ESRC-funded Secondary Data Analysis project “The Unarmed Civilian Protection in South Sudan Dataset”. The Research Associate will work closely with Project Lead Prof Berit Bliesemann de Guevara and Visiting Researcher Dr Luke Abbs on turning project partner Nonviolent Peaceforce’s existing rich text data into a gold-standard numerical dataset suitable for quantitative analysis.
Tasks include creating a codebook, coding a major part of the primary incident data, and analysing the data. The Research Associate will co‑author all research outputs, participate in the training of the project partner’s staff, and have the opportunity to present preliminary project findings at relevant conferences. The successful candidate will be well versed in quantitative research in the field(s) of conflict, humanitarianism, peacekeeping, nonviolent resistance, or similar.
Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.
Main Duties
- A toolkit, new reporting template and training for NP and its partners to improve data collection and continue using quantitative data analysis to monitor and improve UCP practice in South Sudan and other locations.
- Two academic articles to introduce the new dataset and present analysis results.
The academic project outcome will be a transformative boost for UCP research through quantitative analysis to complement the existing rich body of qualitative research. Organisationally, the project will help project partner NP to inform its design, monitoring, evaluation and learning (DMEL) through quantitative methods and evidence, with the potential to share this practice with other UCP organisations in future. Societally, the project will help improve both research and practice of UCP as one of the mechanisms to provide protection of civilians – one of the pressing issues of our time amid growing instability and decreasing aid budgets – thereby contributing to create safer spaces for conflict resolution efforts. This post is funded through the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required
Essential
- PhD in a relevant field (e.g. conflict, humanitarianism, peacekeeping, nonviolent resistance, or similar).
- Knowledge of quantitative research techniques, methods, and analysis.
- Experience designing, collecting data for, and conducting quantitative analyses in the field(s) of unarmed civilian protection or community self‑protection, peace and conflict studies, humanitarianism, international peacekeeping, non‑violent/civil resistance, or similar.
- Advanced skills in statistical software (e.g. Stata, R or Python).
- An understanding of data management and archiving.
- Excellent English‑language communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to convey information in a clear, concise manner to collaborators from different cultural backgrounds and with varying degrees of English language proficiency.
- Ability to work to deadlines, to operate flexibly, and to work independently.
- An ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually.
Desirable
- An emerging track record of articles in top peer‑reviewed journals in the social sciences.
- Experience of working with geospatial data and spatial models.
- Knowledge of quasi‑experimental and causal methods.
- Moderate to advanced skills in GIS software (e.g. QGIS).
- Oral (spoken) and written Welsh Level B1.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities, and those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates. We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities. Applications submitted will be treated equally.
Benefits
- Flexible working policy
- Hybrid Working
- 36.5‑hour week for full‑time roles
- Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
- Commitment to Professional Development
- Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes
- Staff recognition and reward schemes
- Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
- Staff relocation bursary
- Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave
- Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality and retail on campus.
Employment Visa: Under the UK Government’s points‑based system scheme, this role does not meet the criteria to be sponsored by Aberystwyth University (AU) for a Skilled Worker Route (SWR) application.
Research Associate (Post-Doctoral Researcher) employer: Aberystwyth University
Aberystwyth University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of international politics. With a commitment to professional development, flexible working policies, and generous leave entitlements, employees are empowered to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful research that addresses pressing global issues. Located in a bilingual institution, staff have unique opportunities to engage with diverse communities and enhance their skills, including learning the Welsh language at no cost.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate (Post-Doctoral Researcher)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of conflict and humanitarianism. Attend relevant conferences or workshops where you can meet potential collaborators or mentors. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your quantitative research projects, especially those related to peacekeeping or nonviolent resistance. This will give you an edge when discussing your experience with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out directly! If you’re interested in the Research Associate position, drop an email to Prof Berit Bliesemann de Guevara. Ask any questions you have about the role and express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and can make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile and connect with professionals in your field. Share articles or insights related to quantitative analysis in humanitarian contexts. This can help you get noticed by recruiters looking for candidates like us!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (Post-Doctoral Researcher)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in quantitative research and conflict studies. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the Research Associate role.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your advanced skills in statistical software like Stata, R, or Python. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you’ve used these tools in your previous work.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured communication, especially since you'll be conveying complex information to diverse audiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aberystwyth University
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the ESRC-funded project and the methodologies involved. Brush up on your quantitative research techniques and be ready to discuss how you would approach turning qualitative data into a numerical dataset.
✨Showcase Your Statistical Skills
Be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency in statistical software like Stata, R, or Python. You might be asked to explain how you’ve used these tools in past projects, so have some examples ready that highlight your analytical capabilities.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since you'll be working with diverse collaborators, practice conveying complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. Think about how you can adapt your communication style to suit different audiences, especially those with varying levels of English proficiency.
✨Prepare for Questions on Flexibility and Independence
Expect questions about how you manage deadlines and work independently. Have specific examples ready that illustrate your ability to adapt to changing circumstances and your experience in self-directed research.
