Research Assistant

Birkbeck University of London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 2,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

An esteemed university in London is looking for a part-time Research Assistant to contribute to a geopolitics project. The role involves literature review, data collection, and analysis. The successful candidate should have strong research skills and an understanding of socio-political science. This fixed-term position offers a competitive salary, pension, and generous benefits, with flexible working hours.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

31 days paid leave

Flexible working arrangements

Generous HE sector benefits

Qualifications

• Proven research skills in geopolitics.
• Understanding of socio-political science and Shiʿite politics.
• Experience as a research assistant or independent researcher.

Responsibilities

• Search academic literature and media sources.
• Collect demographic data in diverse geographic settings.
• Report and prepare preliminary analysis of findings.
• Help organize a workshop.

Skills

Research skills

Understanding of socio-political science

Fluency in English

Understanding of Shiʿite politics

Job description

Research Assistant

We are excited to announce an opening for a Research Assistant at Birkbeck, University of London, to work on a geopolitics project within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Salary range £2,227 per year (pro‑rated £38,981 to £44,247 per year), Grade 6 on the College's London Pay Scale, including a consolidated London Weighting Allowance. The role offers a competitive salary, pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements, and generous HE sector benefits.

As a Research Assistant, your responsibilities will include searching academic literature, media sources, and policy documentation in English and Persian; collecting demographic data in diverse geographic settings; reporting on and preparing preliminary analysis of findings; and helping organise a workshop.

This role is ideal for someone with proven research skills, a strong understanding of socio‑political science and Shiʿite politics, and experience as a research assistant, documentalist, independent researcher, or journalist.

Contract

This role is a fixed‑term, 16‑month contract beginning 21 January 2026 and ending 19 June 2027, unless later start and end times are agreed. It is part‑time (FTE), working 2 hours per week, with the understanding that the 8 hours per month may be variably executed.

Closing date

Monday 15 December 2025, interview date: Wednesday 14 January 2026. Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.