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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team researching economic security and its impact on global peace.
- Company: Blavatnik School of Government, committed to improving public policy worldwide.
- Benefits: 38 days annual leave, excellent pension scheme, hybrid working, and social events.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentoring and international travel.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in international relations while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: PhD/DPhil in political science or related field with strong quantitative expertise.
The predicted salary is between 39424 - 47779 £ per year.
About the Blavatnik School of Government
Our vision is of a world better led, a world better served and a world better governed. We are a global school committed to improving the quality of government and public policymaking worldwide, through three routes: teaching current and future leaders; generating research with impact; and engaging with governments and practitioners.
What we offer
- The School is a collaborative, friendly, and dynamic department based in an award-winning building in Oxford.
- We host regular events and talks with well-known guest speakers – all of which are open to staff.
- On the social side, we have a regular events calendar that are designed to appeal to all, including our Christmas and summer parties.
- As an employer, we care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days’ annual leave
- Family leave schemes and a comprehensive range of childcare services
- Cycle loan scheme and discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
- Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
- Opportunities for hybrid working (typically 60% of working hours on-site and 40% remotely)
About the role
The postdoctoral research fellow will be a member of the Research for Economic Security and Peace (RESP) project, reporting to Professor Yeling Tan at Oxford University. RESP examines how the design of economic security policies and bureaucracies affect the prospects for international peace and stability. The research fellow will contribute to the empirical and analytical core of the project, with particular responsibility for supporting the construction and analysis of new cross-national datasets and the development of research outputs. The research fellow will also provide administrative support to the team, and guidance to junior members of the research group.
About you
The successful candidate will hold (or be close to completing) a PhD/DPhil in political science or a closely related field, with a specialism in international relations, international political economy, or international security. They will bring strong quantitative expertise, including experience constructing and analysing original datasets and applying advanced statistical methods. A solid understanding of economic security policy—such as trade policy, export controls, or related areas—is essential. The successful applicant will demonstrate a clear capacity for producing high-quality academic research, alongside excellent communication skills suited to both scholarly and policy audiences. They will be highly organised, collaborative, and capable of managing their own research agenda while contributing effectively to a multi-site team. A willingness to travel internationally for stakeholder engagement, as well as experience supporting or mentoring junior researchers, will further strengthen their application.
Application process
Please upload supporting statement that outlines how you meet the selection criteria in your own words, along with your CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. The closing date for applications is at 12 noon (UK time) on Tuesday 26 May 2026. Interviews are expected to take place during week commencing 8 June 2026.
£39,424 to £47,779 per annum
Postdoctoral Research Fellow for the Research for Economic Security and Peace (RESP) employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Fellow for the Research for Economic Security and Peace (RESP)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend events, talks, and seminars at the Blavatnik School of Government or related venues. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job or can introduce you to someone who does.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your quantitative expertise and experience with datasets. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to the RESP project and the broader goals of the school.
✨Be Prepared for Interviews
Brush up on your knowledge of economic security policies and be ready to discuss your research agenda. Practice answering common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your collaborative spirit and mentoring experience.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! Make sure your supporting statement clearly outlines how you meet the selection criteria. This is your chance to shine, so put your best foot forward!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Fellow for the Research for Economic Security and Peace (RESP)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure you clearly outline how your experience and skills align with the selection criteria. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise in political science and quantitative research.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight your relevant experience, especially in international relations and economic security policy. We want to see how your background makes you the perfect fit for the RESP project.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be engaging with both scholarly and policy audiences, make sure your application reflects your excellent communication skills. Whether it's in your writing style or the clarity of your ideas, we want to see that you can convey complex concepts effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website! It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to us directly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity – we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the RESP project and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the key concepts of economic security policies and how they relate to international peace. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Quantitative Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with constructing and analysing datasets. Be ready to provide specific examples of advanced statistical methods you've used in your research. This will demonstrate your strong quantitative expertise, which is crucial for this position.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working within a multi-site team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve successfully worked with others, especially in mentoring or supporting junior researchers.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.