Postdoctoral Research Fellow/ Research Fellow

SOAS University of London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

44 days holiday

Flexible working

Pension scheme

Learning & development

Health and Well-being

Enhanced family leave

Employee assistance programme

Gym discount

Job summary

SOAS University of London seeks a Research Fellow / Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to a Horizon Europe REMEDIS project on risk education and mine action. The role focuses on behavioural science, risk perception, and evidence-based interventions.

You will design surveys, run mixed-methods studies, and collaborate with international partners to translate findings into policy recommendations and practical tools for humanitarian mine action and civilian protection.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead behavioural science research within a large project.
• Experience with mixed-methods research and evaluation.
• Design and implement surveys, qualitative studies and experiments.
• Translate research findings into practical tools, policy recommendations and interventions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to behavioural science research within the REMEDIS project.
• Design and implement surveys, qualitative studies, and experimental research.
• Collaborate with academic, policy and practitioner partners across the consortium.
• Publish high-quality research outputs and contribute to evidence-based policy.
• Help develop innovative EORE approaches and evaluate interventions.

Skills

Behavioural science

Mixed-methods research

Survey design

Qualitative studies

Experimental research

Stakeholder engagement

Policy impact

Job description

Job title: Research Fellow / Postdoctoral Researcher

Contract Type: 3 years fixed -term contract from 1st March 2027 to 28th February 2030

Grade: 7

Salary: £44,073 to £51,483 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance

Hours: 35

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

SOAS is seeking a Research Fellow/Postdoctoral Research to contribute to the Horizon Europe-funded REMEDIS (Risk Education and Mines/Explosives Detection (or Disposal) Improvement Strategies) project, a multidisciplinary research collaboration focused on improving humanitarian demining and strengthening Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) in conflict-affected and post-conflict settings.

Working under the leadership of Dr Sarah Njeri, Principal Investigator for the EORE component of the REMEDIS project, the postholder will play a central role in advancing understanding of risk perception, decision-making, and behaviour change in Ukraine and other environments affected by explosive ordnance.

About The Department

The Department of Development Studies at SOAS is an internationally recognised, interdisciplinary department focused on critical approaches to development. Its teaching and research focus on themes including humanitarian action, conflict, climate and sustainability, migration, labour, political ecology, aid and institutions. SOAS is ranked 2nd in the world for Development Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.

About You

You will contribute to and help lead behavioural science research within the project. The role will focus on generating high-quality, actionable evidence to improve EORE policy and practice through behavioural insights, mixed-methods research, and the design and evaluation of evidence-based interventions.

You will design and implement surveys, qualitative studies, experimental research, and other behavioural science approaches to inform more effective risk education strategies. You will also work closely with academic, policy, and practitioner partners across the consortium to ensure that research findings are translated into practical tools, programmes, and policy recommendations. They will contribute to the development of innovative approaches to EORE, support stakeholder engagement activities, publish high-quality research outputs, and help strengthen the evidence base for humanitarian mine action and civilian protection.

This is an exciting opportunity for a researcher with expertise in behavioural science and mixed-methods research to contribute to a major international project that combines academic excellence with tangible real-world impact for communities affected by explosive ordnance.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Pack under the job description and person specification section, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website.

What We Offer

We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
• Generous occupational pension scheme: To provide financial security for your future
• Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Health and Well-being Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
• Enhanced Family Leave: We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
• Discounted Gym Membership: Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.

Closing date: 22nd November 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Interviews to be held: Week commencing 7th December 2026

Further information

Please note that the application system does not currently have a save-and-return feature. To avoid losing any information, we strongly encourage you to complete and submit your application in one sitting. Make sure you have all necessary details ready before you begin.

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.

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

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

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 and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.