Senior Research Officer

RFCSR; Colchester; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Essex's Department of Government in Colchester, UK, is seeking a Senior Research Officer on a full-time, fixed-term basis to support the Dividends project. The role focuses on data analysis of UN, AU, and EU peacekeeping missions and coordinating activities with academic and non-academic partners.

Applicants should hold a PhD in Political Science or International Relations, demonstrate advanced quantitative skills, experience with large-N designs, and a track record of

Qualifications

• Advanced quantitative skills, including managing and analysing complex datasets
• Demonstrated ability to engage in comparative and large-N research designs
• Interest and experience in peacekeeping, international organisations, conflict, and post-conflict development
• Proven capacity to coordinate across multiple collaborators and contribute to high-impact publications
• Effective communication in an internationally diverse research environment

Responsibilities

• Conduct and manage data analysis related to UN, AU, and EU peacekeeping missions.
• Coordinate project activities across academic and non-academic partners.
• Contribute to research outputs in the UK and target countries.

Job description

University of Essex – Department of Government

Colchester, UK (Hybrid working)

General Description – include all relevant details from the source

The University of Essex's Department of Government seeks an accomplished research professional for the role of Senior Research Officer. This full-time, fixed-term post is funded to support the ERC/UKRI-backed research project Peacekeeping Dividends and Post-Conflict Development (Dividends), which examines how peacekeeping operations influence long-term economic and social outcomes in post-conflict contexts. The Senior Research Officer will play a central role in advancing the project’s aims by conducting and managing data analysis related to United Nations, African Union, and European Union peacekeeping missions. This includes applying multidimensional scaling techniques, coordinating project activities across academic and non-academic partners, and contributing to research outputs both in the UK and in project target countries. The Department of Government at Essex is recognised for world-leading research and international scholarly engagement within the fields of international relations and political science.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (PhD) in Political Science, International Relations, Conflict Studies, or a closely related discipline that aligns with the strategic research objectives of the Dividends project. A strong interest in working with diverse datasets and integrating quantitative and qualitative research methods is expected. Experience with research design, data analysis, and producing high-quality academic outputs is essential.

Required expertise/skills

• Advanced quantitative skills, particularly in managing and analysing complex datasets (e.g. geo-coded data and multidimensional models).
• Demonstrated ability to engage in comparative and large-N research designs that combine statistical and qualitative methodologies.
• Interest and experience in research topics related to peacekeeping, international organisations, conflict, and post-conflict development.
• Proven capacity to coordinate research activities across multiple collaborators and contribute to high-impact academic publications.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to operate within an internationally diverse research environment.

Salary details

The post carries a salary in the range of £38,249 to £40,497 per annum, commensurate with experience and in line with the University’s pay framework for research staff.

Application Deadline

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 31 March 2026.