CAMHRA Research Fellow

Job title: CAMHRA Research Fellow

Department: Centre for Anthropological Mental Health Research in Action, Department of Anthropology and Sociology

Contract Type: Fixed term for three months, starting between 1 February 2-26 and 1 May 2026

Grade: 7

Salary: £43,297.57 to £50, pro rata £17,319 to £20,225 based on 0.4 FTE)

Location: Bloomsbury, London

Hours: 14 hours per week

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Role

CAMHRA already provides structured support and mentorship to post-doctoral researchers wishing to develop applications for external funding with us. However, we recognise that many post-doctoral researchers are in precarious employment situations in the crucial post-PhD period, and that the significant research required to prepare strong applications in an increasingly competitive field is often unpaid. This narrows the field of those who are able to prepare competitive applications, reducing diversity in research.

To address this structural inequality, in 2026, CAMHRA is offering two fixed-term 3-month 40% FTE "mini-fellowships" to develop an external funding application with us.

The Research Fellows' responsibilities will be to:

• Develop a research idea into a highquality funding application for an early-career fellowship scheme agreed in advance with CAMHRA, e.g., a BA Fellowship, Marie-Curie Fellowship, Wellcome ECR, ESRC New Investigator (see the CAMHRA Website for more details of schemes that we support)
• Participate in the CAMHRA research community

In return, the Research Fellows will receive:

• A postdoctoral research salary at 40% of FTE of Grade 7 for three months
• Specialised support from a CAMHRA senior researcher and from the CAMHRA Research & Development Office in developing the agreed external funding application
• Up to £1,000 of research expenses
• The chance to attend CAMHRA research community events such as the CAMHRA Reading Club, CAMHRA Writing Club, Brown Bag and Seminar series.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website

About the Department

The Centre for Anthropology and Mental Health Research in Action (CAMHRA) at SOAS is a globally oriented and locally connected Centre of excellence for cutting edge anthropological research, education and public engagement in the field of mental health. It works to promote research on critical issues of inequality in access, experience and outcomes of mental health care with benefits for marginalised groups in the London area and cascading effects at national and global levels, and with special emphasis on mental health lived-experience and clinical practice-based research, and coproduced research outputs.

What We Offer:

We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
• Generous occupational pension scheme: To provide financial security for your future
• Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Health and Well-being Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
• Enhanced Family Leave: We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
• Discounted Gym Membership: Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.

How to Apply:

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV.

Closing date: 15th December 2025

Use of AI

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Further information

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS

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