Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Contract Type: Fixed Term - 16 Months - Expected start date of 01/10/2024

Interview Date: To be confirmed

The School of Politics and International Relations is seeking to appoint a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) with expertise in the politics or development of the Global South to assist Dr Jamie Gruffydd-Jones on his Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) project ‘Resistance to External Powers in the Developing World’. 

As a Post-Doctoral Research Associate, you will lead on the project’s case study work, which will involve qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of the rise of local resistance to China and other external powers across the developing world, and what this resistance means for politics and development. You will carry out fieldwork and develop links with academics and policymakers across a minimum of four countries (travel to be funded by the grant). Additionally, you will also be expected to contribute towards the theoretical development and write-up of the project, and its presentation to conferences, workshops, and policy audiences

Candidates with expertise in development economics, international development, or politics of the Global South are encouraged to apply. Experience with computational social science methods and/or fluency in Mandarin would be advantages but not requirements. 

As a Post-Doctoral Research Associate you will:

• assist Dr Gruffydd-Jones in the development of the theoretical framework behind resistance to external powers
• lead on the project’s research of case studies of local resistance to external powers’ presence and influence
• analyse qualitative and/or qualitative data
• contribute to the write up of research work for publication
• promote the project to academic audiences, including presenting the research at conferences and workshops

To be successful in this role you will have:

• a doctorate (completed or submitted) or equivalent qualification/experience in political science, international development, development economics, sociology, or relevant discipline
• experience of implementing social science research methods
• knowledge or experience of development economics, international development, politics, or sociology in the Global South
• experience with qualitative methods, including interviews and/or process tracing
• excellent communication skills

Please see the 'Apply' links aboveto view the full Job Description and to apply for this post.

You may upload your CV and a cover letter, however please ensure you complete the application form and questions fully in addition to this.

For further information regarding the application process please contact The People Services Team on peopleserviceshr@kent.ac.uk quoting ref number: HSS-215-24-R.

Further details:

Please note that we prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

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