Research Assistant (“Pre-Doc”)

LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive university

Salary from £36,513 to £41,565 pa inclusive with potential to progress to £44,468 pa inclusive of London allowance

Fixed term appointment for 2 years

The Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience is seeking to appoint a full-time research assistant (“pre-doc”) for a two-year period. The appointed candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team using science to design better policies, laws and ways of caring for other animals. You will work under the direction of the Centre Director, Professor Jonathan Birch.

This assistant will work on the project “Changing attitudes towards cultivated meat”, funded by the Global School of Sustainability (GSoS) at LSE. The project examines, from psychological and philosophical perspectives, how information about animal sentience alters psychological attitudes and perceptions of alternative protein products and affects the ethics of producing and consuming them.

The position is ideal for someone seeking multi-disciplinary research experience. The role-holder will play a major role in the planning, design, and implementation of the projects, working flexibly under the direction of the Centre Director and other researchers assigned to the project.

The successful candidate will hold an undergraduate and/or Masters degree in a related discipline. Related disciplines include Psychology, Behavioural Science and Philosophy. Other essential criteria include: a strong dedication to the mission of The Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience; ability to perform research requiring great accuracy and attention to detail; ability to interpret and analyse patterns or trends and think through projects analytically; ability to work collaboratively and independently on specific tasks; excellent written and verbal communication skills.

An academic background in either the psychology of food or food ethics is desirable. Other desirable criteria include experience conducting literature reviews; experience engaging with various stakeholders; an interest in sustainability, behavioural sciences and animal welfare; and experience of execution of write up of independent research projects such as an undergraduate or Masters thesis. 

Learn more about The Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience here: https://lse.ac.uk/sentience

Applications must include a CV and a covering letter that explains the candidate’s qualifications and motivation for the position. Please also include scans of all university transcripts. Referees will only be contacted if your application progresses to the final stages of the selection process.

For further information about the post, please see the how to apply document, job description and the person specification.

Please complete your application via the ‘Apply’ button above.

If you have any technical queries with applying on the online system, please use the “contact us” links at the bottom of the LSE Jobs page. Should you have any queries about the role, please email Jackie McAndrew at Philosophy.Sentience@lse.ac.uk

The closing date for receipt of applications is 25 November 2025. Regrettably, we are unable to accept any late applications.

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