Research Associate (Nuclear Politics)

Vacancy terms: Full-time, fixed term contract for 12 months from September / October or soon after.

Hours per week: 37.5

Advert closes midnight on: 17 July 2024 

About the role

This role is to provide research assistance on the European Research Council-funded project, “Towards a Third Nuclear Age” (https://thethirdnuclearage.com), led by Principal Investigator Professor Andrew Futter. 

The project seeks to examine how a mixture of technological, geopolitical and normative change is reshaping the global nuclear order.

Professor Futter welcomes proposals for a 12-month programme of work focussing on any aspect of the Third Nuclear Age. Applicants are encouraged to think about the best way to use the 12 months and the appropriate mix of activities and outputs. Funding will be available for fieldwork, networking and engagement activities where appropriate.

Proposals could address issues such as: the proliferation of nuclear energy, the Ban Treaty and prospects for disarmament; technological challenges to deterrence; how to strengthen normative and global nuclear frameworks and agreements; country or regional-specific nuclear case studies; nuclear competition between the great powers; escalation and strategic stability; nuclear aspects of contemporary conflicts, or the impact of critical nuclear studies. But this is by no means exhaustive – innovative proposals are particularly welcome. 

You will also support Professor Futter with ongoing project activities, including organising a conference in Leicester towards the end of the fellowship. 

In addition, you will undertake a tailored programme of continuing professional development, depending on their skills and experience, and will be directly line managed by Professor Futter. 

As part of your application, you will be asked to upload a maximum 2-page CV; a 1-page cover letting explaining why you want to work on the project and how your proposed research fits; and a 500-word research proposal outlining activities and outputs for the 12 months.

About you 

With a PhD in a relevant subject and knowledge of research on nuclear politics and contemporary nuclear challenges, you will be able to evidence research productivity in these areas. 

Great communication skills are key, alongside an ability to plan, organise, implement and deliver programmes of work.

Additional information 

All enquiries about the role or your research proposal should be directed to Professor Andrew Futter (ajf57@le.ac.uk) in the first instance. 

We anticipate that interviews will take place during week commencing 5th August 2024.

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. 

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

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