Research Fellow / Postdoctoral Researcher in Political Economy of Structural Transformation (x 5 positions)

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East.  SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Role

The CSST invites applications for the post of Research Fellow / Postdoctoral Researcher in Political Economy of Structural Transformation with research expertise and interest in one or more of the following areas:

• Energy transition
• Agriculture and food systems
• Livelihoods, work and skills
• Global value chains and international trade
• Industrial policy
• Domestic resource mobilisation

Under the leadership of the Centre co-directors, the candidate is expected to co-develop research projects in one or more of the research streams of the Centre and contribute to collaborative research projects within a multi-disciplinary research team, involving other research fellows and the Policy Fellow hosted by the Centre, as well as a global network of researchers, especially those based in the Global South. The candidate is expected to contribute to all stages of research, including publication of high-quality and high-impact academic papers, dissemination activities and policy engagement.

About the Department

The Centre for Sustainable Structural Transformation (CSST) is a research centre hosted by the SOAS Economics Department. CSST will conduct path-breaking research in developing countries, especially those in Africa and Southeast Asia, to inform strategies for structural transformation and economic diversification that are environmentally and socially sustainable. CSST will also advance concrete proposals on how private sector firms and governments can coordinate their efforts towards new industrial pathways for sustainable prosperity. As the Centre evolves, new research streams will be added, depending on other funding opportunities, potential research partnerships, and demands from policymakers, civil society organisations and businesses. Professors Ha-Joon Chang and Antonio Andreoni in the SOAS Economics Department co-direct the CSST.

About you

The Research Fellow / Postdoctoral Researcher is expected to have a strong training in relevant disciplines, including economics, development studies, geography, business, politics and engineering. The candidate will have had a rigorous methodological training in either quantitative or qualitative methods and will be able to collect and use different types of evidence to inform research and policy-relevant analyses. Regional expertise in Africa and Southeast Asia, and/or experiences in comparative analysis, experiences in relevant sectors and policy areas are desirable, although not necessary. The candidate will have, or be close to completing, a PhD in relevant disciplines.

How to Apply: 

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV, your two top publications or working papers, and a supporting statement.

Closing date: 9th August 2026 at 11:59 p.m.                          

Interviews to be held: 20th August 2026.

Further information

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

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