Research Officer - British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) partnership

Research Officer - British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) partnership

Full-Time 43277 - 51714 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Produce high-quality research publications and engage in academic activities on Eastern Africa.
  • Company: Join the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa at LSE, a leader in global issues.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid work, and excellent training opportunities.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and funding applications.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on African research and connect with leading scholars.
  • 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) has partnered with the British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) to advance qualitative research on the Eastern Africa in the World research agenda.

Responsibilities

  • 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.

Qualifications

  • Candidates should have a recent PhD in a relevant social science discipline such as politics, sociology, international relations, anthropology, or international development. 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.

Benefits

We offer an occupational pension scheme, generous annual leave, hybrid working, and excellent training and development opportunities.

Closing date

The closing date for receipt of applications is 3 June 2026 (23.59 UK time). Regrettably, we are unable to accept any late applications.

Research Officer - British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) partnership employer: The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

At the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa (FLIA), we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that champions diversity and innovation. As a Research Officer, you will not only contribute to impactful research on Eastern Africa but also benefit from generous annual leave, an occupational pension scheme, and exceptional training opportunities that support your professional growth. Located in London, our commitment to placing Africa at the forefront of global discussions makes us an inspiring place to advance your academic career.

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

Contact Detail:

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Officer - British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) partnership

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meet-ups related to Eastern Africa research. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships; you never know who might help you land that dream job.

Show Off Your Research Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your qualitative research experience. Share specific examples of your fieldwork and any publications you've contributed to. We want to see your passion for research shine through!

Be Ready to Discuss Funding

Since applying for research funding is part of the gig, be prepared to talk about your past experiences with grant applications. We recommend having a few success stories up your sleeve to demonstrate your capability in securing funds for projects.

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Officer - British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) partnership

Qualitative Research
Fieldwork Experience
PhD in Social Science
Research Funding Application
Academic Publishing
Event Coordination
Networking Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Research Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to the partnership between BIEA and FLIA, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant research and fieldwork.

Showcase Your Research Experience:Since this role involves producing high-quality publications, it’s crucial to emphasise your experience in qualitative research. Share specific examples of your PhD work and any fieldwork you've conducted in Eastern Africa to demonstrate your expertise.

Highlight Funding Successes:If you've successfully applied for research funding before, make sure to mention it! We’re looking for candidates who can navigate the funding landscape, so share any relevant grants or collaborative projects you’ve been involved in.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for!

How to prepare for a job interview at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

Know Your Research Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and how it relates to the BIEA and FLIA's goals. Be prepared to discuss your qualitative findings and how they can contribute to the partnership. This shows your passion and understanding of the role.

Showcase Your Funding Experience

Since applying for research funding is a key responsibility, come armed with examples of successful grants you've applied for. Discuss the strategies you used and any challenges you overcame. This will demonstrate your capability and initiative.

Engage with Current Issues

Stay updated on current debates and issues affecting Eastern Africa. Bring these insights into your conversation to show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also engaged with the field. It’s a great way to connect your work with broader discussions.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the BIEA and FLIA partnership, their future projects, or their approach to academic dissemination. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is right for you.