Research Assistant

Are you looking for a varied and rewarding research-focused role within a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment?
We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to join the PLEDGE Project team at the Department of Politics and International Relations (PAIR).

ABOUT US

PAIR is a leading political science department, offering a vibrant and diverse academic environment. The department delivers  postgraduate and undergraduate degrees in politics and international relations, and is committed to addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary and policy-relevant scholarship. The role contributes specifically to PLEDGE, a Horizon Europe-funded research project, investigating the emotional dynamics of grievance politics and democratic governance across Europe. You will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) Professor Tereza Capelos helping to deliver innovative conceptual and experimental work. For more information on PLEDGE see pledgeproject.eu.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This post is central to the success of Work Package 4 (WP4) within the PLEDGE project. The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) to support the design and execution of project tasks, coordinate with external stakeholders, and contribute substantively to the project's conceptual and empirical development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the organisation of WP4 activities and coordinating with project partners.
• Preparing progress reports and contributing to the refinement of the consolidated theoretical framework.
• Supporting internal communication on the methodological and empirical aspects of the research.
• Assisting in the experimental design and implementation of studies, including liaising with external companies, collecting quotes, and managing timelines.
• Helping prepare annual project reports for funders and sponsors.
• Contributing to the effective, efficient, and comprehensive support of the PLEDGE research team and external collaborators.

ABOUT YOU

You are an intellectually curious and well-organised individual with a passion for research and a proactive attitude. You have:

• Advanced understanding of the PLEDGE project’s conceptual and empirical framework, particularly concerning grievance politics.
• Demonstrated ability to provide specialist advice and apply sound judgment in a research setting.
• Experience supporting complex research tasks and working collaboratively across institutional and international partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, especially Word and Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.
   You will be a confident communicator, adept at working independently as well as within a research team, and capable of liaising with external stakeholders including funding bodies and commercial partners.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

As a university, we are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful working environment. We offer:

• Generous annual leave and additional university closure days.
• A comprehensive pension scheme.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Subsidised access to on-site health and fitness facilities.
• Exceptional family leave policies.
   We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.

CONTACT

To find out more about this position, please contact the Principal Investigator Prof. Tereza Capelos directly at t.capelos@soton.ac.uk
 We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to the PLEDGE team.

Further details:

This role does not qualify for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. To explore alternative UK visa options, see gov.uk.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk.

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