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- Tasks: Collaborate on groundbreaking research in social and political philosophy focused on displacement justice.
- Company: University of Bristol, a leading institution in philosophical research.
- Benefits: Open-ended contract with fixed funding, supportive academic environment, and opportunities for interdisciplinary work.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and contribute to innovative methodologies in political philosophy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on refugee-led approaches to justice while advancing your academic career.
- Qualifications: PhD in Philosophy or related field with expertise in migration and displacement studies.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
This is a three-year postdoctoral research position in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Bristol. The Research Associate will work as part of the ERC project Learning from Experience and Agency in Displacement (LEAD) led by Principal Investigator Dr Rebecca Buxton. The project critically investigates the possibility of refugee‑led approaches to displacement justice and builds new methods in the political and social philosophy of displacement.
The role holder will have expertise in the political philosophy of migration and displacement and/or refugee and forced migration studies.
What will you be doing?
The role holder will work collaboratively as part of a project team consisting of the Principal Investigator, two postdoctoral Research Associates and two PhD students. The LEAD project runs in three phases:
- Phase I: build the critical foundations for a refugee‑led approach to displacement justice, including reconstructing the methodologies of debates in refugee studies and the political philosophy of refuge.
- Phase II: stress‑test the principles developed in Phase I by confronting key puzzles for the methodology, such as defining refugeehood, intergroup heterogeneity, representation, and epistemic injustice.
- Phase III: implement the novel methodology for political philosophers by engaging with refugee populations and refugee‑led organisations on questions of displacement justice.
The role holder is expected to conduct research primarily on the aspects of Phases 1 and 2, engaging in methodological reflection and meta‑philosophical debates on the contours of a refugee‑led approach to displacement justice.
You should apply if
- You have a PhD in Philosophy, Migration Studies, Refugee and Forced Migration Studies, or a similar discipline (completed or submitted) by the time of appointment.
- You have research expertise in the philosophy of migration and displacement.
- You can conduct research independently and work effectively as part of a research team.
- You have an interest in interdisciplinary work that connects political philosophy with refugee and forced migration studies.
Contract and Working Conditions
- Contract type: Open‑ended with fixed funding from 01/09/26 to 31/08/29
- Work pattern: 1 FTE
- Grade: J
- School/Unit: School of Arts
Senior Research Associate in Social and Political Philosophy employer: City of Bristol College
Contact Detail:
City of Bristol College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate in Social and Political Philosophy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the field of philosophy and migration studies. Attend conferences, workshops, or even online seminars to meet people who can help you get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your research work, especially anything related to displacement justice or refugee studies. This will give you an edge during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your thoughts on political philosophy and its connection to refugee issues.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you navigate the application process and land that dream role as a Senior Research Associate.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate in Social and Political Philosophy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your expertise in political philosophy and migration studies. We want to see how your background aligns with the LEAD project, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant research and experiences!
Show Your Collaborative Spirit: Since this role involves working closely with a team, let us know about your experience in collaborative research. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in the past, especially in interdisciplinary settings.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your passion for the subject shines through.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials properly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application there.
How to prepare for a job interview at City of Bristol College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the political philosophy of migration and displacement. Brush up on key theories and recent debates in the field, especially those related to refugee-led approaches to justice. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the project.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative research. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with others, particularly in interdisciplinary settings. Highlight your ability to engage with diverse perspectives, as this is crucial for the LEAD project.
✨Engage with the Project's Phases
Familiarise yourself with the three phases of the LEAD project. Think about how your research can contribute to each phase, especially the methodological reflections and meta-philosophical debates. Being able to articulate how you fit into the project's goals will impress the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the project and its objectives. This shows that you’re not just interested in the position but are also thinking critically about the work involved. Consider asking about the challenges they foresee in implementing the refugee-led methodology or how they envision engaging with refugee populations.