Postdoctoral Research Associate, Law School
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Law School

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Law School

Full-Time 44355 - 46671 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Unist

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team researching health-related claims regulation across Europe, West Africa, and North America.
  • Company: King's College London is a prestigious law school with a rich history and global recognition.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for international travel.
  • Other info: Flexible working hours available; part-time applications considered.
  • Why this job: Make an impact on pressing legal issues while collaborating with experts in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: PhD in Law or related field, research experience, and excellent communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 44355 - 46671 Β£ per year.

Organisation/Company: KINGS COLLEGE LONDON

Research Field: Juridical sciences

Country: United Kingdom

Application Deadline: 14 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

Department: Law School

About us: The Dickson Poon School of Law, King's College London is one of the oldest law schools in England and recognised globally as one of the best law schools in the world. The School was established in 1831 and has played an integral role in the life of King's since the university was formed almost 200 years ago. King's has been in service to society since its foundation and we’re proud to continue that tradition to this day. Our research and teaching address some of the most pressing questions of our time relating to equality and human rights, the legal implications of climate change, globalisation, international relations, trade, competition and global finance, to name but a few. Members of The Dickson Poon School of Law advise governments, serve on commissions and public bodies and are seconded to national and international organisations, helping to shape policy and practice nationally and internationally.

About the role: We are seeking two dynamic researchers interested in working as part of an interdisciplinary research team on a project funded by the Wellcome Trust (Discovery Award) Between Deception and Dissent: regulating unproven, disproven and misleading health-related claims. This 6-year Discovery Award will critically explore how contemporary society seeks to control and regulate unproven, disproven, or misleading health-related claims. Bringing together perspectives from socio-legal studies, science and technology studies (STS), and philosophy, our project will critically explore regulatory approaches and their unfolding impacts in three regions: Europe (France/Greece/Ireland/UK), West Africa (Ghana/Senegal), and North America (Canada/Mexico). The postdoctoral associates will be responsible for delivering the research, alongside and under the supervision of the PI, across the UK and either France or Ireland. The post holders will also work closely with Prof. Cloatre and the rest of the team towards the broader objectives of the project, and will be embedded in its broader cross-national team and activities. This is a full-time post (35 Hours per week), although applications for part-time positions of a minimum of 28 hours per week will be considered. You will be offered a fixed-term contract for 3 years.

About you: To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

  • PhD in Law/Socio-legal Studies, Science and Technology Studies (completed, or to be completed before post start date), or a cognate field.
  • Experience of qualitative archival or interview-based research methods in a relevant field.
  • Proven track record of research and writing to the standard required for publishing in leading international journals.
  • Experience of working as part of a research team, and ability to research both independently and with direction.
  • Experience of, and enthusiasm for, communication of research findings to stakeholders and wider publics through non-academic mediums.
  • Experience in organising and sharing research data so as to make it available to other members of the research team.
  • Excellent oral presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex specialist material to a variety of audiences.
  • Willingness to travel internationally for data collection and/or other project activities.
  • Postdoctoral research experience.
  • Previous experience of working in an international and/or interinstitutional research environment.
  • Ability to speak languages relevant to the project, in addition to fluency in English.
  • Website development and administration skills.
  • Experience of research in either France or Ireland.

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances, the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

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. Interviews are due to be held in Early September.

Grade and Salary: Β£44,355 - Β£46,671 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance

Job ID: 118725

Post Date: 30-Jun-2025

Close Date: 14-Aug-2025

Contact Person: Prof. Emilie Cloatre

Contact Details: emilie.cloatre@kcl.ac.uk

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Law School employer: Unist

King's College London offers an exceptional work environment for Postdoctoral Research Associates, fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration within the prestigious Dickson Poon School of Law. Employees benefit from access to world-class resources, opportunities for interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to professional development, all while contributing to impactful projects that address critical global issues. Located in the heart of London, staff enjoy a vibrant city life alongside a supportive academic community dedicated to equality and innovation.
Unist

Contact Detail:

Unist Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate, Law School

✨Tip Number 1

Network with current and former researchers at King's College London, especially those in the Dickson Poon School of Law. Engaging with them can provide insights into the research culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the Wellcome Trust's funding priorities and previous projects. Understanding their focus areas will help you align your research interests with the goals of the project, making you a more attractive candidate.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with qualitative research methods in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of your past work, as this will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to the interdisciplinary team.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your communication skills by preparing to explain complex legal concepts in layman's terms. This is crucial for the role, as you'll need to convey research findings to diverse audiences beyond academia.

We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate, Law School

PhD in Law/Socio-legal Studies or related field
Qualitative research methods
Archival research experience
Interview-based research skills
Research writing for publication
Team collaboration in research settings
Independent research capability
Communication of research findings to diverse audiences
Data organisation and sharing
Excellent oral presentation skills
International travel for data collection
Postdoctoral research experience
Experience in international research environments
Fluency in English and relevant languages
Website development and administration skills
Experience conducting research in France or Ireland

Some tips for your application 🫑

Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Postdoctoral Research Associate position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.

Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement should clearly outline how your qualifications and experiences align with the essential criteria listed in the job advert. Use specific examples from your past research to demonstrate your expertise.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous postdoctoral research experience, particularly in socio-legal studies or related fields. Mention any international research collaborations or projects that showcase your ability to work in diverse teams.

Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and tailored to the position. Highlight your PhD, relevant research methods, publications, and any communication skills that would be beneficial for the role. Make it easy for the hiring committee to see your fit for the position.

How to prepare for a job interview at Unist

✨Know Your Research

Make sure you are well-versed in your own research area, especially as it relates to the project on regulating health-related claims. Be prepared to discuss your previous work and how it aligns with the goals of the Dickson Poon School of Law.

✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills

Since this role involves working as part of an interdisciplinary team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past research projects. Highlight your ability to both lead and support within a team setting.

✨Prepare for Questions on Communication

Given the emphasis on communicating research findings to diverse audiences, think about how you can convey complex ideas simply. Prepare examples of how you've effectively shared your research with non-academic stakeholders.

✨Show Enthusiasm for Travel

This position may require international travel for data collection. Express your willingness and excitement about travelling, and if possible, mention any relevant experiences you've had in different countries or cultures that could enhance your research.

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Law School
Unist
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