We are looking to appoint a Research Associate to contribute to the delivery of a research project on the politics of military labour association and military unionisation in Europe. The project, funded by a standard grant from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), will be based in the School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations and led by Dr Joanna Tidy.
This is an excellent opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher to undertake research at the intersection of critical military studies, critical and feminist international relations and political economy, contribute to the development of scholarship on the politics of military labour, and to develop knowledge exchange and impact with and for partners and stakeholders. The role will involve reviewing and synthesising academic literature, data collection (conducting interviews and creating a corpus of texts from contemporary and archival sources), qualitative data analysis, knowledge exchange and impact activities, contributing to the organisation of events, and writing outputs for academic and non-academic audiences.
We are seeking a candidate with a PhD (at or near completion) in politics, international relations, political economy or a cognate field and with expertise in relation to military power, military work and labour, the politics of unions, and/or critical and feminist approaches. Candidates should have experience producing high quality research and writing, the ability to write for different audiences, experience with qualitative social science methodologies, effective communication skills, the ability to contribute to event organisation, and the ability to work independently and closely with a team.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Reviewing and synthesising relevant academic literature.
- Undertaking data collection, including conducting interviews and creating a corpus of texts.
- Contributing to the qualitative analysis of interview data and texts.
- Contributing to the development and delivery of the knowledge exchange and impact programme, including contributing to the design, organisation, and delivery of meetings, workshops and events with non-academic stakeholders.
- Contributing to the writing of reports and outputs for academic and stakeholder audiences.
- Contributing to the development of academic networks, including publicising the project on social media and contributing to the organisation and delivery of an academic workshop.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
- Travel internationally where required for data collection, stakeholder engagement and conferences.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Have or be near to completion of a PhD in politics, international relations, political economy or a cognate field.
Expertise in a relevant area, for instance but not limited to military power, military work and labour, the politics of unions, and/or critical and feminist approaches.
Evidence of high-quality research and writing in your area of expertise and the ability to collaborate and contribute to writing research outputs for academic and non-academic audiences, for example journal articles, reports, briefings.
Experience of using qualitative social science methodologies.
Ability to contribute to the planning and organisation of research and project events, for example workshops, seminars, and non-academic engagement activities.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, academic writing skills, experience of delivering presentations, social media skills.
Ability to work accurately to tight deadlines, and good organisational skills.
Ability to work both independently and closely with a team.
Experience of working with non-academic partners and stakeholders.
Further Information
September 2026 for a period of two years
If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
https://sheffield.ac.uk/spir
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Joanna Tidy, project lead, on
[email protected] Next steps in the recruitment process
We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact
[email protected]Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().
What we offer
A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
Generous pension scheme.
A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes
A range of generous family-friendly policies
paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
access to menopause support in the workplace
paid time off and support for fertility treatment
and more
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
