Research Associate in Political Theory - Loughborough

The School of Social Sciences and Humanities is seeking to appoint a Research Associate for a three-year project in political theory entitled, The Right to Liveability: An Ethical Assessment. You will undertake original research and contribute to the running of the project in collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Guy Aitchison.

The Leverhulme Trust-funded project examines the issues of social and democratic justice raised by the unequal distribution of suicide and mental distress between groups. It uses an interdisciplinary approach that combines philosophical analysis of moral issues with interviews with individuals with lived experience. It considers arguments for a ‘right to liveability’ - a moral right to be protected from social conditions that elevate mental distress and suicide – and explains how this can shape policy-making.

Core research areas include:

• theories of human rights;
• theories of social justice;
• theories of democratic justice;
• the ethics of suicide and assisted dying;
• mental distress, suicide and social disadvantage.

You will have the opportunity to undertake your own distinctive research within the framework of the project as a whole. You will also support the PI with their research; contribute to the everyday running of the project; organise and conduct interviews in the UK; organise meetings and a conference; disseminate findings both independently and in collaboration with the PI.

You should have a PhD in Political Theory, Philosophy, Ethics, Public Health or a relevant area, an ability to conduct and publish high quality academic research in support of the project goals and excellent communication and organisational skills.

Staff from under-represented groups in higher education and the discipline, including those from racialised minorities, who have a physical or invisible disability, or are neurodivergent, are particularly encouraged to apply. The University is a Disability Confident employer, a member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion Scheme and holds Race Equality Charter and Athena SWAN bronze awards.

Informal enquiries about the role should be directed to Dr. Guy Aitchison, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Studies at Loughborough University.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 23rd April 2026. Interviews will be held: week beginning 18th May 2026.

Loughborough University is committed to allowing its employees to work dynamically with a combination of working on campus and remotely, where possible.

At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:

• generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme;
• access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park;
• competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities;
• support for you and those close to you through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options;
• discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support;
• access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.