Early Career Researcher

DescriptionPosition DetailsBirmingham Law SchoolLocation: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UKFixed salary of 51602Grade: 7 (Spot)Full Time Fixed Term contract up to August 2029Closing date: 31st January 2026UK and International travel will be required for this roleBackgroundThe role will be salaried as an Early Career Researcher and will include a fully funded PhD studentship as part of the appointment.This post forms part of an international multi-site programme with the title: Sociology of Authoritarian Law: Insights from Central Asia (SOCIAL) which is based at the University of Lund. It is funded under the auspices of the Horizon Europe MarieSkłodowskaCurie Doctoral Networks. The Principal Investigator at Birmingham University is Prof Chris Thornhill (Law). This post is focused on the analysis of Security Narratives & Legal Change in Central Asia and the appointee will examine how some security discoursessuch as counterterrorism and digital surveillancedrive constitutional and legal reforms in authoritarian regimes. The research will study how in some contexts law is instrumentalized to expand executive power and suppress dissent.The appointee will create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme.Role SummaryWork within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bidsOperate within area of specialismAnalyse and interpret research findings and resultsContribute to generating fundingContribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such asrevenues asset or company sales IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similarMain DutiesThe responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research with assistance of a mentor if requiredContribute to writing bids for research fundingAnalyse and interpret dataApply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understandingDisseminate research findings for publication research seminars etcSupervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the disciplineContribute to developing new models techniques and methodsUndertake management/administration arising from researchContribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administrationContribute to enterprise business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University often under supervision of a project leaderCollect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods such as scientific experimentation literature reviews and research interviewsPresent research outputs including drafting academic publications or parts thereof for example at seminars and as postersProvide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the researchDeal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlinesThe successful candidates will be required to work in a team to travel to conferences and network training events and to take part in an academic and non-academic secondment abroadAll Doctoral Candidates are required to undertake two secondments abroad one academic and one non-academic of between two and six months durationPromotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culturePerson SpecificationFully Funded MSCA PhD Positions Essential Criteria for applicants:To be eligible Doctoral Candidates must have obtained a degree which formally entitles them to start a doctorate either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the researcher is recruitedIn addition Doctoral Candidates cannot have been awarded a doctoral degree and/or completed more than four years of full-time equivalent research experienceDoctoral Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (i.e. work studies) in the hosting country for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment dateThe successful candidates will be required to work in a team to travel to conferences and network training events and to take part in an academic and non-academic secondment abroadAll Doctoral Candidates are required to undertake two secondments abroad one academic and one non-academic of between two and six months durationFor further information on eligibility criteria and on Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks in general please refer to: Doctoral Networks - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.University of Birmingham Essential skills and knowledge requirements:High level analytical capabilityAbility to communicate complex information clearlyFluency in relevant models techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new onesAbility to assess resource requirements and use resources effectivelyUnderstanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processesContribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research projectCo-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effortKnowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairlyHow to ApplyProspective applicants should submit an online application including the following documents:Personal statement outlining how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description. This can either be completed within the online application form or uploaded as a separate documentCurriculum Vitae (CV)Research proposal indicating how you would contribute to the project within the parameters outlined aboveTranscript of gradesInformal enquiries to Chris Thornhill email: We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyoneon our website. Key Skills Intelligence Community Experience,Python,Spss,Microsoft Word,R,Regression Analysis,Windows,Stata,Microsoft Powerpoint,Research Experience,Data Modeling,Writing Skills Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1