Research Assistant in Technology and the Human in War

University of Sussex; Brighton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Brighton is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow for a technology and warfare research project. The role involves supporting the principal investigator and two postdoctoral fellows, contributing to critical research on how technology influences modern conflict. Ideal candidates should have a keen interest in technological advancements in warfare and excellent organizational skills. The position offers a collaborative environment at a renowned global studies school committed to transformative research and teaching.

Qualifications

• A background understanding of lethal autonomous weapons systems, AI, and cyber-operations is preferred.
• Flexibility in working with various team members is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support the principal investigator and research team on project tasks.
• Develop research skills under the guidance of experienced staff.

Skills

Interest in technological developments in warfare

Excellent organizational and communication skills

Ability to collaborate with diverse individuals

Job description

Overview

The School of Global Studies at the University of Sussex invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellow to support the research project “Technology and the (future) Human in War” (TfHW), funded through the Leverhulme Trust Research Leaders Scheme.

TfHW is a project which will investigate the ramifications of the increasing mediation of contemporary conflict through a wide range of complex technologies such as lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), weaponised Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, cyber-operations, and technologically enhanced soldiers. The project will address the following issues: What does this rapid technological change mean for the involvement of humans as humans in war? With technology radically reshaping when, where and how war is conducted; what are the implications for soldiers, citizens, enemies and civilians?

As the Research Assistant you will support the work of the principal investigator and two postdoctoral research fellows.

Research Assistant is a pre-Doctoral career-grade research position. Post-holders will be expected to contribute to the work of the research team, and to develop their research skills with support from more experienced members of staff.

About You

The ideal candidate will be interested in researching and understanding how technological developments are changing the way that contemporary conflict is conducted and experienced and prepared to support the research team for the duration of the project. You may have an interest in lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), weaponised AI, drones, cyber-operations, and/or technologically enhanced soldiers or you might have an interest or knowledge about any of the cases.

You will be an excellent organiser and communicator. You will be flexible and able to work with a range of different individuals.

About Our School

We are a global hub at the heart of Sussex University. Our engaged research and critical pedagogy addresses the most pressing global issues of our times – global social justice, environmental change and climate justice, war and peace, migration, global health, human rights, identity, and inequality. Our mission is to generate transformative research and real-world teaching that equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to work towards a fairer, safer, more sustainable and more inclusive world.

We are committed to inspiring and curiosity-driven teaching and research that strives to find creative solutions for the social, environmental, economic and political poly-crisis facing the world today and explore/develop alternative futures. Global Studies stands out for its interdisciplinarity across our departments, courses and research centres; our ambitious global outlook; and our decolonising, anti-racist and reparative justice approaches to teaching, research and civic engagement.

Find Out More About Our Reward And Benefits Package

Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion.

Further Key Information

Please contact Lindsay Clark ([e-mail]) for informal enquiries.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.

Visa Sponsorship Queries: This role does not meet the eligibility for sponsorship due to its part-time nature. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about visa sponsorship.