Research Associate (Fixed Term) (Part Time)

Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading research center in the UK is seeking a part-time Research Assistant/Associate in Sociology to assist in projects related to feminist movements in India. The role involves data collection, analysis, and drafting publications, with a requirement of knowledge in intersectional feminism and relevant research experience. Ideal candidates should have, or be close to obtaining, a PhD. The position is fixed term for 12 months, starting soon after October 1, 2025.

Qualifications

• Research experience and specialist knowledge in feminist movements and organizations in India.
• Broad conceptual knowledge in the sociology of contemporary Indian society and politics.
• Experience in debates on social and political change in post-1980 India.

Responsibilities

• Assist with data collection and analysis for the project.
• Map and build a database of feminist organizations in north India.
• Draft publications with the Principal Investigator.

Skills

Research experience in feminist movements

Knowledge of contemporary Indian society

Expertise in intersectional feminism

Education

PhD or equivalent research doctorate

Job description

Overview

We are looking to recruit a part-time, 20 hours a week, Research Assistant/Associate in Sociology from 1 October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter for a fixed term of 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Assist with data collection and analysis for the project, including online and in-person interviews, archival research, and library research.
• Assist with mapping and building a database of feminist organizations in north India.
• Draft publications, both as a primary and secondary author, with the Principal Investigator, Professor Manali Desai.

Qualifications and experience

• Research experience and specialist knowledge in feminist movements and organizations in India, with a focus on violence against women.
• Broad conceptual knowledge in the sociology of contemporary Indian society and politics.
• Research expertise in intersectional feminism and feminist movements; familiarity with debates on social and political change in post-1980 India, evidenced through doctoral research, publications, and other research outputs.
• Appointment at Research Associate level requires a PhD or equivalent; those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, with amendment to Research Associate once the PhD is awarded.

Department context

The Department of Sociology is part of a joint undergraduate degree programme in Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) and has a vibrant MPhil and PhD programme. Approximately 80 PhD students are working on diverse 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.

Appointment details

The post is fixed term for 12 months. Closing date is midnight on 24 September 2025. Appointment depends on having a PhD or an equivalent research doctorate; those with submitted but not yet awarded PhD join at RA level and are amended to RA once the PhD is awarded.

Application process

Click the “Apply” button below to register an account with our recruitment system and apply online. Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Professor Manali Desai — Enquiries: [e-mail]. For queries regarding the application process, please contact: [e-mail]. Please quote reference JM47189 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Equality and eligibility

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.