Research Assistant

Contract Type: 6 months fixed-term contract (part time, 24.5 hrs pw)

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 Research assistant will work to research and promote practical responses to refugee housing issues in London, under the supervision of Dr Anna Lindley and Dr Charlotte Sanders. The project is funded by the ESRC Creating Opportunities through Local Innovative Fellowship. This is a six-month part-time research role, 0.7 FTE.

You will be assisting in an impact project on refugee housing transitions, undertaking desk-based research and interviews with key stakeholders; contributing to data analysis and output writing; organising project events with key stakeholders; ensuring effective dissemination of project outputs through local government, voluntary and community sector and academic networks.

The successful candidate will have a Masters’ degree in a relevant subject, good knowledge of UK asylum/refugee policy and housing policy, as well as experience working with local government bodies in the UK. Proven experience of qualitative research, report-writing and event organisation is required. Lived experience of the asylum process or knowledge of a common asylum language and familiarity NVivo qualitative data analysis software would be an advantage.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website.

About the Department:

The Department of Development Studies is a leading centre of research and teaching around global development. We specialise in a range of thematic areas including sustainability and climate change, migration and displacement, conflict and humanitarian action, labour, political ecology, and aid and institutions.

How to Apply: 

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV publications, and a supporting statement.

Closing date: 11^th May 2025

Interview dates: 27^th & 28^th May 2025

Further information:

Please contact Anna Lindley at al29@soas.ac.uk should you like further information about this opportunity.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via our HR Contact Form | SOAS

'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'. for the duration of their contract

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK & beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.

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