Research Assistant (0.06 FTE)

Are you passionate about socio-political research and keen to contribute to a cutting-edge project on Shiite geopolitics?

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join our team and support an exciting research initiative exploring Shiite geopolitics. This opening is for a part-time role within the School of Social Sciences on a fixed-term, 16 month contract.

As Research Assistant your responsibilities would include searches of academic literature, media sources, and policy documentation in especially English and Persian; the collection of demographic data in diverse geographic settings, reporting on and preparatory analysis of the findings, and aiding the organization of a workshop.

This opportunity is ideal for someone with proven research skills and a strong understanding of socio-political science and Shiite politics. Experience as a research assistant, documentalist, independent researcher, or journalist would also be beneficial.

If this sounds like the role for you join us at Birkbeck, as a leading London University with a unique mission for widening participation.

Salary and benefits
Actual salary: £2,227 per year (pro-rated £38,981 to £44,247 per year), Grade 6 on the College's London Pay Scale which includes a consolidated London Weighting Allowance.

Benefits of working at Birkbeck: a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements, generous benefits in the HE sector, and being located in the heart of Bloomsbury, Euston, London.

Contract:

This role is offered on a fixed-term basis between 21 January 2026 and 19 June 2027 unless later start and end times are agreed. This is a part-time role, (0.06 FTE) working 2 hours per week, but with the understanding the 8 hours per month may be variably executed.

Closing date: Monday 15 December 2025, interview date: Wednesday 14 January 2026. Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

Enquiries:

If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Dr Matthijs van den Bos, Shiite geopolitics research lead, at m.van-den-bos@bbk.ac.uk.

If you have difficulty using the recruitment portal, please contact jobs@bbk.ac.uk providing your name and the job reference number of the position. While we are happy to respond to all informal enquiries, only formal applications through the online system will be considered.

We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. www.bbk.ac.uk/jobs. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding an Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.

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