Research Associate (Fixed Term) (Part Time)

Cambridge Service Alliance; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Part time

Job summary

A university research team in Cambridge is seeking a part-time Research Assistant/Associate in Sociology. The role involves data collection and analysis related to feminist organizations in India. Ideal candidates will possess research experience in feminist movements, a solid understanding of contemporary Indian sociology, and a relevant PhD or equivalent. This is a fixed-term position for 12 months.

Qualifications

• Strong research skills related to violence against women in India.
• Familiarity with debates on social and political change in post-1980 India.
• Ability to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research.

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 and organizations

Conceptual knowledge in sociology

Expertise in intersectional feminism

Education

PhD or equivalent research doctorate

Job description

Overview

We are looking to recruit a part-time Research Assistant/Associate in Sociology for 20 hours a week, from 1 October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter, on a fixed term for 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 PI of the project, Professor Manali Desai.

Qualifications and Expertise

• Research experience and specialist knowledge in feminist movements and organizations in India, with a focus on violence against women.
• Breadth of conceptual knowledge in the sociology of contemporary Indian society and politics.
• Research expertise in intersectional feminism, feminist movements, and familiarity with debates on social and political change in post-1980 India, as evidenced through doctoral research, publications and other research outputs.
• Appointment at Research Associate level requires a PhD, or an equivalent research doctorate. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended 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. There are currently about 80 students working on PhDs on a diverse range of 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.

Term and Funding

The post is fixed term for 12 months. The funding for this role must end after 12 months.

Application Process

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. Closing date is midnight on 24 September 2025. Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Professor Manali Desai, Email: [e-mail]. If you have any 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.