At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a groundbreaking project exploring craft's impact on social belonging in West Africa.
- Company: Birkbeck, University of London - a hub for innovative research and cultural diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 31 days leave, and generous benefits.
- Other info: Part-time role with remote work options and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding youth culture through ethnographic research.
- Qualifications: PhD in anthropology, sociology, or archaeology; knowledge of West African cultures.
The predicted salary is between 30832 - 30832 £ per year.
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the AHRC-DFG funded project Forging And Belonging: Researching children's social relations and Imagined futures through Crafting in rural West Africa (FABRIC). FABRIC is a three-year AHRC-DFG funded project investigating how the changing value of craft in Senegal and Benin shapes social belonging and imagined futures of teenagers in craft families. We have collected ethnographic data from families in three villages in each country. You will have access to this data and will collaborate with the co-Investigators in analysing and writing up the ethnographic material.
This is a highly innovative research project about how the changing economic, ecological, epistemological and cultural value of crafts in West Africa shapes social belonging and imagined futures of teenagers in craft families. Researchers in Benin and Senegal have completed participant ethnographies with potters, weavers and blacksmiths, conducted qualitative interviews with a range of interested actors in each country, and future-me workshops with children in craft families. You will collaborate with the research team on the analysis of this data and on writing research outputs.
You will have completed a doctorate in anthropology, sociology or archaeology and have knowledge of West African culture and society. Ideally, you should be fluent in French and Wolof or Baatonum.
This opportunity would build on experience developed during PhD and postdoctoral research in the anthropology or sociology of material culture, especially with regard to West African cultures.
Contract
This role is offered on a fixed-term basis for 11 and half months. This is a part-time role working 21 hours per week. You need to be based in the UK and able to come to the office at least one day a week but you can work remotely for up to 14 hours per week, by arrangement.
Interviews will be held on November 13 2026.
Salary and benefits
£27,079 rising to £30,832 per annum pro rata (60% of £45,132.00 rising to £51,387.00 FTE). Birkbeck offers a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements and some of the most generous benefits in the HE sector, all while being located right in the heart of Central London. The salary quoted is on the College's London Pay Scale which includes a consolidated Weighting/Allowance which applies only to staff whose normal contractual place of work is in the London area.
We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding an Athena Swan and Race Equality Charter awards and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.
Postdoctoral Researcher employer: Birkbeck College
Birkbeck College is an attractive employer due to its focus on innovative research and collaboration. Employees have the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects that contribute to the understanding of social cognition and early communication. The supportive work culture promotes professional development and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Researcher
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Join online forums or local meetups related to scientific research in your area. Connecting with fellow researchers and academics can lead to part-time opportunities and give you insights into who's hiring, plus it’s a great way to showcase your passion for the field.
✨Utilise University Connections
If you're a student or recent graduate, tap into your university’s career services or research departments. They often have connections with local labs or companies looking for part-time research assistants – you might just find a role that suits you perfectly!
✨Follow Research Journals and Publications
Stay updated with the latest publications in your area of interest. Many researchers announce opportunities in their articles or on the journals' websites. If you spot a research group doing interesting work, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask if they're open to bringing someone on board part-time.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We've got loads of part-time opportunities in scientific research listed on our website, so make sure to check that out. It’s a straightforward way to apply and find roles that align with your skills and interests, plus we’re always keen on talented individuals like you joining our community!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Research Skills:For a part-time gig in scientific research like this one at Birkbeck College, we want to see how you’ve handled research projects before. Highlight any lab techniques, statistical software, or methodologies you’ve employed. If you’ve contributed to research papers, make sure to mention that as well—it’s a big plus!
Tailor Your CV for the Research Community:When crafting your CV, let's make it specific to the scientific research field. Focus on relevant coursework, technical skills, and any certifications you might have—like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or safety training—and don’t forget to list your publications or presentations if applicable. This is your chance to impress us with your academic profile!
Highlight Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, it’s essential to be clear about your availability in your application. Let Birkbeck College know how many hours you can commit and when you’re available to start. This shows that you’re organised and ready to jump in without any hassle!
Express Your Passion for Research:In your cover letter, let’s make your enthusiasm for scientific research shine! Talk about what excites you about the field and how joining Birkbeck College fits into your career goals. It’s all about showing us that you’re not just looking for a job, but you’re eager to contribute to meaningful research!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birkbeck College
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
When interviewing for a part-time role in scientific research, be ready to discuss specific research projects you've worked on. Bring along a portfolio that highlights your findings, methodologies, and any publications or presentations. We want to see your hands-on experience and how you've contributed to the scientific community!
✨Get Familiar with Relevant Techniques
Make sure you have a grasp on the technical skills and tools relevant to the specific area of research. Whether it’s lab techniques, data analysis software, or fieldwork methodologies, brush up on these topics as you may be asked to demonstrate your understanding or talk about how you've applied them in your previous experiences.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Part-time roles often open doors for fresh perspectives and new skills. Highlight your eagerness to learn within the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you can manage your time effectively while balancing work and studies, and show how you plan to absorb knowledge from your colleagues at Birkbeck College.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Scientific research is often a team effort. Expect to discuss how you work within a team setting, particularly any challenges you've tackled alongside your peers. You might even be presented with a hypothetical scenario during the interview to see how you'd collaborate with the team at Birkbeck College. Make sure you have a few examples ready!
