Research Associate/Fellow (Chinese Development) (Fixed Term) (SOC240625)

University of Nottingham; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Research Associate/Fellow to contribute to an ERC-supported study on Chinese development at the Nottingham University Business School. The role involves conducting independent research, fieldwork, and publication tasks. Candidates must have a relevant PhD or be nearing completion, with strong communication and research skills essential for success. This full-time position is initially for 1 year, with the possibility of extension.

Qualifications

• PhD degree (or nearing completion) in development studies, human geography, rural sociology, anthropology or political science.
• Clear evidence of sufficient breadth or depth of research methodologies.
• Practical experience of applying specialist skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the Principal Investigator in developing research objectives.
• Conduct independent fieldwork and research.
• Write up work for publication.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Research methodologies

Analytical ability

Collaboration skills

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Nottingham Research Field Anthropology » Social anthropology Economics » Other Geography » Human geography Sociology » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 14 Nov 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 36.25 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Applications are invited for the position of Research Associate/Fellow on Chinese development to contribute to an ERC-supported study at the Nottingham University Business School (NUBS). The purpose of this role will be to support the Principal Investigator in developing research objectives and proposals and conducting fieldwork research in the area of China’s rural-urban transition. The post holder will be expected to undertake independent fieldwork and research, as well as working as part of a team – which includes using (qualitative and quantitative) methodologies appropriate to the type of research – and will be responsible for writing up their work to contribute to published outcomes. The successful candidate will be part of an internationally-leading research team and be responsible for various tasks, including conducting surveys and interviews, publishing articles, and supporting scientific networks.

Candidates should have a relevant PhD degree (or nearing completion) in development studies, human geography, rural sociology, anthropology, or political science; excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with clarity on complex information; clear evidence of sufficient breadth or depth of research methodologies to work in the research area; ability to contribute to method improvement; analytical ability to facilitate conceptual thinking, innovation and creativity; ability to build relationships and collaborate with others, internally and externally; practical experience of applying the specialist skills approaches required for the role. Knowledge of property rights, (informal) settlements, mining,natural resources and/or land policy is strongly preferred.

The post is a full time position (36.25 hours per week) initially offered on a 1-year fixed term contract with possibility of extension.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to [e-mail] . Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.