At a Glance
- Tasks: Produce high-quality research publications and engage in academic dissemination activities.
- Company: Join the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa at LSE, a leader in global issues.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with top researchers and develop your academic career.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Eastern Africa's visibility in global discussions.
- Qualifications: Recent PhD in social sciences and experience in qualitative research required.
The predicted salary is between 43277 - 51714 £ per year.
LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive university. The Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa (FLIA) aims to strengthen LSE’s long-term commitment to placing Africa at the heart of understandings and debates about global issues. FLIA works to forge new links with African scholars and institutions and increase the visibility of Africa in LSE’s teaching, research, and policy engagement. FLIA has recently partnered with the British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) to advance qualitative research on the Eastern Africa in the World research agenda.
The Research Officer will contribute to the partnership between the BIEA and FLIA by producing high-quality peer-reviewed publications and engaging in academic dissemination activities grounded in recent qualitative PhD research conducted in one or more Eastern African countries. They will work closely with the BIEA Director to develop and support a network of social science and humanities researchers working on Eastern Africa. They will also be expected to apply for research funding, including collaborative grants involving BIEA and FLIA as partners.
Candidates should have a recent PhD in a relevant social science discipline such as politics, sociology, international relations, anthropology, or international development. The PhD must be close to completion by the post start date. Experience conducting qualitative research including fieldwork in one or more Eastern African countries is essential. Candidates should also have experience successfully applying for research funding, publishing in high quality social science academic journals and outlets, and experience coordinating and planning academic events.
We offer an occupational pension scheme, generous annual leave, hybrid working, and excellent training and development opportunities. For further information about the post, please see the how to apply document, job description and the person specification.
Research Officer - British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) partnership in London employer: LSE Cities
LSE is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Research Officer at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa, you will benefit from competitive salary packages, generous annual leave, and hybrid working arrangements, all while contributing to impactful research that places Africa at the forefront of global discussions. The collaborative culture and commitment to academic excellence provide a unique opportunity to engage with leading scholars and institutions, making this role both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Officer - British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) partnership in London
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at LSE Cities, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like LSE Cities. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Officer - British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) partnership in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at LSE Cities. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at LSE Cities. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at LSE Cities
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at LSE Cities. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at LSE Cities to drive research projects forward.
