Postdoctoral Researcher - Nuffield Humanitarian Forum

Economic Insecurity and Politics Project

Nuffield College intends to appoint a Postdoctoral Researcher to support the research programme and work of the Nuffield Humanitarian Forum (the Forum). Directed by Professor Andrew Thompson and Professor Sir Mike Aaronson, the Forum arises out of the 2018-2023 Nuffield College research project (“International NGOs and The Long Humanitarian Century”). As well as being of importance in its own right, the study of International NGOs (INGOs) has been a useful lens through which to view the wider global system for relief and development, and human rights; the Forum takes this approach one step further and will be exploring various themes, from a historical and contemporary perspective, such as geopolitical uncertainty; contested legitimacy; the future of institutional leadership; funding regimes and shifting sources of donors; the interplay between the UN system and other actors; political economy, including the role of the private sector in international development; and state behaviours and NGO relationships with states.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will conduct and publish independent and original research (as author or co-author) in areas of relevance to the Forum’s overarching programme of research and play a leading role in the organisation of workshops and other events associated with the Forum. They will contribute to the design, background research and drafting of reports, opinion-pieces and commissioned papers for the Forum; they will also assist with applications for external research funding and with targeted surveys of NGO sector leadership. The postholder will be expected to present the results of their research at the Forum and other events, as well as at relevant seminars, workshops, and conferences; they will also build effective working relationships with relevant individuals and institutions and identify additional areas of research interest, fitting with the Forum’s over-arching research agenda.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant discipline such as history, political science, international relations, international development or other relevant social sciences subject. They should possess research experience and expertise that fit with the Forum’s research agenda, and demonstrate a strong interest in the translation of research into public policy. The successful candidate will be able and willing to engage with the logistics of organizing Forum events; they will have demonstrable archival research skills, experience of conducting independent fieldwork and the ability to conduct high quality academic research as evidenced by a good record of scholarly writing and publications. They should also be able to translate complex research results for non-academic readers and have an aptitude for cross-disciplinary and collaborative working, including with non-academic partners. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential as are excellent organisational and interpersonal skills.

The post is full-time and fixed-term for three years, starting on 1 September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be £40,528 p.a. (pro-rated as appropriate). The post will be based at Nuffield College and reporting to Professor Andrew Thompson

Further particulars, including information on how to apply, are available from the College website by clicking the apply button above.

The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 28th March 2025.

Nuffield College values diversity in its Fellowship and particularly welcomes applications from women, from disabled people, and from black and minority ethnic people, who are currently underrepresented in senior academic posts at the University of Oxford.

Advert information