Research Associate in Refugee Studies

University of Leicester; England; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK university is seeking a Research Associate to work on refugee studies focusing on LGBTIQ+ communities. The role involves conducting ethnographic research, collaborating with NGOs, and producing policy briefs. Candidates should have a PhD (or near completion) in a relevant field and demonstrate strong qualitative research experience. English and Swahili proficiency is essential, along with a commitment to participatory practices. This full-time position offers a competitive salary between £39,906 and £46,049.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Excellent pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in a relevant field.
• Strong experience in research with LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers.
• Experience working with civil society organisations.
• Familiarity with participatory and/or creative methods.
• Excellent understanding of asylum policies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ethnographic fieldwork and support mixed-methods surveys.
• Collaborate with civil society organisations and community groups.
• Contribute to academic publications and policy briefs.
• Help develop a Global LGBTIQ+ Asylum Observatory.

Skills

Ethnographic research

Qualitative research

Policy literacy on asylum

Community engagement

Fluency in English (C2)

Professional proficiency in Swahili

Education

PhD in anthropology, sociology, or related field

Job description

Research Associate – Refugee Studies

We are looking for candidates with a PhD (or near completion) in anthropology, sociology, migration studies, human geography, Middle East/African studies or a closely related field, who have strong experience in ethnographic and qualitative research with LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum and/or refugee communities, and who have experience working with civil society and community‑based organisations. Familiarity with participatory and/or creative methods and excellent policy literacy on asylum and LGBTIQ+ inclusion are essential.

You must have demonstrable experience of working in Kenya and the UK (or strong existing connections in both contexts) and be fluent in English (C2) and Swahili (professional working proficiency).

We particularly welcome applications from researchers with lived experience of displacement, racialisation and/or minoritisation, and from those who share the project's commitment to decolonial, trauma‑informed and participatory research practice.

Responsibilities

Working closely with Dr Diego García Rodríguez and a network of international partners, the post‑holders will: design, co‑design and conduct ethnographic fieldwork; support mixed‑methods surveys; work with civil society organisations and experts by experience; contribute to high‑quality academic publications, policy briefs and creative/arts‑based outputs (e.g. documentaries, exhibitions and theatre); and help develop a Global LGBTIQ+ Asylum Observatory. The role involves substantial collaboration with NGOs, community groups and policy stakeholders in the case study countries.

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in anthropology, sociology, migration studies, human geography, Middle East/African studies or a closely related field
• Strong experience in ethnographic and qualitative research with LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers and/or refugee communities
• Experience working with civil society and community‑based organisations
• Familiarity with participatory and/or creative methods
• Excellent policy literacy on asylum and LGBTIQ+ inclusion
• Demonstrable experience in Kenya and the UK (or strong connections in both contexts)
• English proficiency at level C2 and professional working proficiency in Swahili
• Researcher with lived experience of displacement, racialisation and/or minoritisation and commitment to decolonial, trauma‑informed and participatory research practice

Compensation and Employment

Salary: £39,906 – £46,049 per annum. Full‑time position.

As part of the University of Leicester's ongoing commitment to professional development, the role may be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please discuss this with your line manager before applying.

Contact

Informal enquiries are welcome. Administrative queries: Laura Nevay, [e-mail]. Project/academic queries: Dr Diego García Rodríguez, [e-mail].

About the University of Leicester

The University of Leicester has been changing the world and changing people's lives for 100 years. We are a diverse and forward‑thinking employer that embeds the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do, including teaching, research and support for staff, students and the local community. We are committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, and opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.