Research Assistant

Salary

£27,319 - £28,031 per annum

Contractual hours

37

Basis

Full-Time

Job category/type

Fixed Term - Part-Time

Job reference

REC

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference.

Experience the pride of being part of a select group – one of only four universities in the south-east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, we proudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

Ambition, Responsibility and Openness drive our every endeavour. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, and where dedication to excellence is key. We want people to make their mark in a professional community that truly values people, innovation, and achievement.

The Role:

The post holder will be located within the research centre AEGIS and will work closely with Professor Bedri supporting her in delivering her BA funded project on gendering war in Sudan and South Sudan. The RA will need to attend regular meetings with Professor Bedri and take the lead on several research tasks such as compiling a systemic literature review, data tool design and collection, data analysis and write ups. Additionally, the RA will assist in coordinating wider outreach and communication activities, including a local Sudanese cultural heritage programme as part of AEGIS.

Due to the sensitive nature of the research, which involves interviewing women about their experiences of displacement and various forms of violence (including sexual violence), this post is open to female applicants only, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1. The Research Assistant must also be fluent in Sudanese Arabic, to ensure participants are able to communicate comfortably and effectively in their preferred language. These requirements are essential to uphold ethical research standards and to ensure the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of participants.

The role will involve fieldwork in South Sudan for a period of approximately 2–3 weeks, expected to take place during the second half of 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed). The successful candidate will travel alongside another member of the research team. All travel, accommodation, and associated expenses will be fully covered by the project's research funding. Applicants should therefore be willing and able to undertake international travel as part of the role.

Whilst there is a need to be in Portsmouth a few days a week, hybrid working is available for this role. The interviews are currently anticipated to be held on 11 December 2025.

This appointment is a fixed-term contract until 31 July 2027. For internal candidates it may be possible to apply for this role under the Secondment Policy. If you wish to apply as a secondee, you must have approval of your line manager in advance of submitting your application form. Please confirm in your application that your line manager has approved this.

If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact Julie Robinson,

Discover the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:

• Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Staff wellbeing programmes.
• Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
• Discounted learning.
• Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.
• The perks don't stop there - click 'apply' for further information on My Reward and Benefits

UKVI Statement

Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.

ED&I Statement:

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community. As an Athena SWAN and Race Equality Charter award holder, a member of Stonewall and a Disability Confident Employer we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills, perspectives and experiences. In addition, we want our workforce to be representative of our diverse student population. Please see our EDI Framework and objectives.

Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.