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- Tasks: Manage and coordinate research projects on conflict and peace, ensuring effective delivery and reporting.
- Company: Join King's College London, a leading institution in security studies with a vibrant research community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, including remote work, and a competitive salary package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on international security debates while working with world-class experts.
- Qualifications: Project management experience in higher education and strong financial skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a full-time role with a fixed-term contract until February 2027.
The predicted salary is between 44105 - 51485 £ per year.
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Organisation/Company KINGS COLLEGE LONDON Research Field Educational sciences Researcher Profile Leading Researcher (R4) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 17 Aug 2025 – 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
About us
The School of Security Studies is a vibrant, multi-disciplinary community of researchers and teachers on all aspects of conflict, defence and security. Our research has direct and sustained impact on international security debates, policy and practice. The School of Security Studies has between 150 and 200 full-time academic staff, and several of the world’s leading experts in the academic study of security and defence issues. The School comprises the Department of War Studies on the Strand Campus in London, the King’s Institute for Applied Security Studies, and the Defence Studies Department, in Shrivenham, near Swindon. The Research Operations Manager role will be co-located with the War Studies department in London, with the expectation of spending two days a week at the Strand Campus, and the option for the remainder of the working week to be spent working remotely.
About the role
The Cross-Border Conflict, Evidence, Policy and Trends (XCEPT) research programme brings together world-leading experts to examine conflict-affected borderlands, how conflicts connect across borders, and the drivers of violent and peaceful behaviour. The programme is funded by the UK government’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Chemonics UK hold the Head Contract. XCEPT’s key objective is to provide policy relevant research for the FCDO.
King’s College London is subcontracted to deliver research which broadly examines the impact of trauma on pathways to peace and violence. Bringing together interdisciplinary researchers based within the Department of War Studies (DWS), the team undertakes ground-breaking research with conflict-affected populations in Syria, Iraq, South Sudan and Lebanon.
The Research Operations Manager will work alongside the Principal Investigators to co-ordinate and implement the project management infrastructure across multiple intersecting strands of research within the King’s team. The thematic areas include the impact of trauma on violence and peace, memorialisation and peacebuilding, imprisonment and extremism, gender and conflict, civilian and armed actor decision-making about conflict vs cooperation, food insecurity as it relates to moral personhood and mental health, post-traumatic growth and resilience, trust in institutions, and cross-generational trauma and memories.
The successful candidate will provide overall oversight and management of the XCEPT £6.03m seven-year programme. Reporting to the School’s Senior Research Operations Manager, the role holder will work alongside the Principal Investigators, Chemonics International and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for the contracted deliverables required for the objectives set out within each workstream and agreed with relevant local partners, with a particular emphasis on expenditure and financial reporting as well as the monitoring of research outputs.
This is a full time position (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an a fixed term contract until February 2027
About you
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- Demonstrable Project Management of research projects in Higher Education
- Demonstrable financial accounting and budgetary skills on Higher Education research projects
- Ability to work independently, proactively, and flexibly, using own judgement, initiative and discretion with minimum supervision
- Proven ability to manage and coordinate logistically complex activities and liaise effectively with a range of national and international partners
- Exceptional organizational skills, motivation, enthusiasm, flexibility, political and cultural sensitivity, and initiative to provide direction and strategic management for the numerous local partners subcontracted by XCEPT in Africa and the Middle East
- Bachelor’s degree in any subject (those with relevant experience without a degree will also be considered)
- Knowledge of UK government policy and programming priorities in regards to conflict and peace overseas
- Knowledge of NGO and research sector in developing countries and ability to liaise with the sector appropriately to develop and sustain effective and responsible partnerships
- Experience running public and closed events in Higher Education settings
Downloading a copy of our Job Description
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
Further information
We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.
We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King\’s.
As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.
We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.
To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our‘How we Recruit ’ pages.
Grade and Salary:£44,105 – £51,485 per annum inclusive of London Weighting Allowance
Job ID:121227
Close Date:17-Aug-2025
Contact Person:Fiona McEwen
Contact Details:Fiona.mcewen@kcl.ac.uk
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Research Operations Manager employer: Kings College London
Contact Detail:
Kings College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the XCEPT research programme and its objectives. Understanding the specific themes, such as trauma and peacebuilding, will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of conflict studies and research operations. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the latest trends and challenges in the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills by preparing examples of past experiences where you've successfully coordinated complex activities. Be ready to discuss how you managed budgets and liaised with various stakeholders, as these are crucial for the Research Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research King's College London's values and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to fostering an inclusive environment within the School of Security Studies, as this aligns with their organisational culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Research Operations Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific needs of the role.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, clearly address how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job advert. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your project management skills, financial accounting abilities, and capacity to work independently.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise any previous experience you have in managing research projects, particularly in higher education. Mention any relevant partnerships or collaborations you've been involved in, especially those related to conflict and peace studies.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and supporting statement for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kings College London
✨Understand the Research Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in conflict studies, especially those related to the thematic areas of the XCEPT programme. Being able to discuss recent developments or case studies will demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the field.
✨Showcase Project Management Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your project management capabilities. Discuss how you have successfully coordinated complex activities and managed budgets, as these are crucial for the Research Operations Manager role.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Sensitivity
Given the international scope of the research, it's important to convey your understanding of cultural nuances and political sensitivities. Share experiences where you've effectively liaised with diverse partners or communities, showcasing your adaptability and awareness.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, be ready to ask insightful questions about the XCEPT programme and its objectives. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to clarify any uncertainties about the role and expectations.
