Postdoctoral Research Associate in Sociology (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a full-time Research Associate in Sociology to assist with a project on Pan-Africanism. The candidate will need a doctoral degree and experience in archival methods, assisting with data analysis, publication drafting, and grant administration. This role is fixed-term for 24 months starting from October 2025, based in Cambridge. Application deadline is August 26, 2025.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding and experience in archival research.
• Demonstrated research expertise through publications.
• Ability to draft publications with primary and secondary authorship.

Responsibilities

• Assist with data collection and analysis for the research project.
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator on publications.
• Aid in grant administration and writing reports for funding bodies.

Skills

Research experience in archival and historical methods

Knowledge in historical sociology

Expertise in historical studies of empire, colonialism, and/or anti-colonialism

Education

Doctoral degree in a relevant field

Job description

We are looking to recruit a full time Research Associate in Sociology from 1 October 2025 fixed term for 24 months. The post is funded by a Leverhulme Trust research grant. You would be working with PI Dr Ali Meghji on a project entitled 'Theorizing the global field: the de-Americanisation of Pan-Africanism'. You will have research experience and specialist knowledge in archival and historical methods, with a breadth of conceptual knowledge in historical sociology. You will have research expertise in historical studies of empire, colonialism, and/or anti-colonialism evidenced through doctoral research, publications and other research outputs. The purpose of this role is to assist with the data collection and analysis for this project, including research in archives based in the United States, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and online. The role holder will draft publications, both as a primary and secondary author, with the PI of the project (Dr Ali Meghji). The role holder will also assist with grant administration and the writing of reports for funding bodies, when relevant.

The Department of Sociology is part of a joint undergraduate degree programme in Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) and also has a vibrant MPhil and PhD programme. There are currently about 80 students working on PhDs on a diverse range of topics in sociology.

Further information about research interests and recent publications of staff and postdocs can be found on the Department's website: http://www.sociology.cam.ac.uk

The post is fixed term from 1st October 2025 for 24 months (please note that the funding for this role must then finish).

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Application requirements include:

• Full Curriculum Vitae including a list of publications
• Cover letter including a statement of your research, your relevant work experience and qualifications, and in general how your profile fits the position using no more than 1,500 words
• A writing sample of max 10,000 words
• The contact details of two referees

Closing date is midnight on 26th August 2025. Interviews will be held on the 16 September 2025.

Informal queries about this position may be directed to Dr Ali Meghji Email: [e-mail]

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact: [e-mail]

Please quote reference JM46722 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Further information

• Further Particulars