Postdoctoral Researcher

Job title: Postdoctoral Researcher

Department: College of Law

Contract Type: Fixed-term (12 months), full time

Grade: 7

Salary: £43,297.57-£50,562.57 per annum inc of London Weighting

Location: Bloomsbury, London

Hours: 35 hours

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

The Postdoctoral Researcher will work in close cooperation and under the supervision of Professor Irini Papanicolopulu on her BA-funded project on freedom of the seas and human rights. The Researcher will conduct critical research on the development of the concept of freedom of the seas in international law, with a focus on the XVIII-XIX centuries, and its linkages with individual freedom and slavery. The Researcher will identify, categorise, and analyse legal sources, including both primary and secondary sources, relating to the law of the sea, rights of individuals, and regulation of the slave trade, from the second half of the XVIII century to the beginning of the XX century. Based on these findings, the Postdoctoral Researcher will contribute to the online historical repository of legal tools that link the freedom of the seas with slavery and/or movement of peoples and protection of their rights, which has been created under the project. The Researcher is expected to author at least one publication relating to the topic of the research project.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will furthermore organise, together with the PI of the project, two academic events involving speakers from the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond, and will be tasked with the day-to-day management of the project, including collective publications.

About the Department

The College of Law is the only one of its kind in the UK that is dedicated to legal systems and legal challenges of the developing world, with complementary strengths in human rights, international law and institutions, law of the sea, environmental law and international trade and commerce. We have unrivalled expertise and produce world-leading research in comparative law (China, Africa, South/South-East Asia, the Middle East), complemented by specialists in international and transnational law, human rights, law of the sea, transnational commercial law, environmental law, and socio-legal method.

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

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 6 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, a list of publications, and a supporting statement. If you use any AI tool for composing/writing/checking any document you will submit with your application, include a short statement at the end of each document naming the tool(s) and describing the type of tools and the extent to which you have used them.

Closing date: 10 November 2025

Interviews to be held: 25 November 2025

Use of AI

While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.

Further information

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

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.