Research Assistant Role at the Centre for the Politics of Feelings

The University of London

The University of London is the UK’s largest provider of international distance and online learning and the convenor of a federation of 17 London-based universities, many of which are among the highest-ranking universities in the world.

Collectively the federation represents a cohort of some 250,000 learners and 50,000 academic and professional services staff. Within this cohort are around 40,000 University of London students who study programmes which are developed and delivered in partnership with our 17 federation members.

The University of London is also home to the School of Advanced Study, the national centre for the humanities and a champion for the arts and humanities.

Although proudly rooted in London, our community and impact are global.

Our passion for increasing access to education and mobilising the collective power and expertise of the federation is central to our ability to transform lives around the world and address the global challenges of the future.

The Role

The interdisciplinary Centre for the Politics of Feelings (https://www.politics-of-feelings.com/), a partnership between the School of Advanced Study, University of London and Royal Holloway, University of London, is hiring a part-time Research Assistant (0.6 FTE). The Centre is devoted to the interdisciplinary understanding of how affect and emotions and their underlying neurophysiological mechanisms shape political behaviour, as well as how politics shapes and exploits affect and emotions.

The post-holder will assist the development of the research activities of the Centre, including the development and implementation of different research projects, our dissemination activities and grant applications, and contribute to organizational aspects of our operations.

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, political science or a related discipline while a Master’s level degree in these areas is highly desirable. Previous experience in similar roles is highly desirable. Skills and abilities to conduct quantitative research in psychology or political science is essential. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational, written and oral communication skills and demonstrate interest in interdisciplinary research.

This is an ideal position for a candidate looking to gain additional research experience before applying for PhD studentships. The post-holder will be an integral member of the Centre’s core research team and will have opportunities to earn authorship on publications, present at scientific meetings and conferences and connect with partners nationally and internationally.

This start date of this position will be on or after January 1^st 2026 until September 30^th 2026. There is a possibility of extending the position pending future funding and progress. Please highlight relevant experience in your cover letter. Questions regarding the position should be directed to the Director of the Centre, Prof. Manos Tsakiris (manos.tsakiris@rhul.ac.uk )

For a full role profile, please refer to the job description below.

Further information

Please submit your application by midnight on 16th of December 2025.

Interviews expected to take place w/c 5th January 2026.

The University of London is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive working environment where we can all be ourselves and succeed. We particularly encourage applications from members of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities as this group is currently under-represented at all levels within the University. All appointments will be made on merit, based on the criteria identified in the job description.

Pursuing excellence in education and equal opportunities.

www.london.ac.uk

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