Research Fellow

Full Time Fixed Term for 6 months

Interview Date: Wednesday 19 June 2024

The School of Geography and Environmental Science seeks to appoint a fixed-term (6 months) Research Fellow to contribute to a new British Academy project “Reframing sacred urbanism: India-UK diasporic worlding and nationalist heritage revival”: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/projects/reframing-sacred-urbanism-india-uk-diasporic-worlding-and-nationalist-heritage-revival/

A collaboration between Dr Rishika Mukhopadhyay and Dr Jen Dickinson (University of Southampton, UK) and Dr Saeed Ahmad (O.P. Jindal University, India), the overall aim of the project is to examine the role of the UK Indian diaspora in transforming India’s sacred heritage sites against the backdrop of nationalist urban redevelopment projects. This post is intended to provide research assistance to Dr Dickinson in tracing and analysing the role of the UK’s Indian diaspora communities’ faith-based, material, philanthropic and lobbying practices around local sacred sites in India and in the UK.   

Key tasks will include interview and focus group discussion planning; collecting and managing research data via focus group discussions and online/in-person interviews; and conducting analysis of research data. The post holder is not required to be based in Southampton, but some UK travel for focus group discussions is involved. The post would suit someone with research expertise in cultural geography, cultural anthropology, cultural heritage management and/or diaspora politics and mobilisation.   

About you:

You will have experience of:  

Literature review and policy analysis 

Working with local community groups on research projects 

Qualitative social research methods training 

Conducting qualitative interviews and focus groups 

An interest in cultural heritage and/or diaspora communities 

You should be nearing completion of a PhD, or have equivalent professional qualifications or experience in Human Geography or a related subject area (e.g. heritage studies, cultural anthropology, sociology, humanities subjects).  Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD.   Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Research Assistant will be given 

Working knowledge of Hindi, Punjabi and/or Gujarati is not essential but would be an advantage for the post.  

What we can offer you:

We aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. 

As well as additional benefits that will make your life easier, such as a generous holiday allowance and additional university closure days. We will help you find a good work-life balance with flexible, or even part-time, working hours. We will support your long-term future too, with access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)*, subsidised health and fitness facilities and a range of discounts.

For an informal discussion on this role, please contact Jen Dickinson J.Dickinson@Southampton.ac.uk

Further details:

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date.

For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.

Advert information