Research Associate in the Department of War Studies

Job ID: 021545

Salary: £38,304 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance

Posted: 26-Apr-2021

Closing date: 06-May-2021

Business unit: Social Science & Public Policy

Department: Department of War Studies

Contact details: Marcia Clough, marcia.clough@kcl.ac.uk 

Strand Campus   Research    

Job description
The post holder will work alongside the Research and Knowledge Transfer Manager of the Centre for Science and Security Studies to support and  coordinate aspects of research and knowledge transfer in the field of non-proliferation, with an emphasis on nuclear politics, safeguards, illicit trade and technology transfer controls (i.e. preventing the transfer of proliferation-sensitive technologies to proliferator organisations).
 
The role will also involve the provision of reasonable support and subject matter expertise to others in the Centre and wider Department of War Studies, and benefit from exposure to a range of research activities across both groupings.This will include a combination of project coordination, research and knowledge transfer work tied to a number of different government-funded projects.
 
You will be required to work in close collaboration with practitioners from government and industry, both locally and internationally.
The post holder will contribute to existing projects, while also writing and submitting grant applications in a relevant subject area to support the sustainable operation of the Centre. They will work with other members of the Centre to prepare academic research outputs based on data gathered in project work. Experience of conducting independent research and coordinating projects would be desirable for this role.
 
This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 6 months
This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities 

Research 

• Work under the guidance and leadership of the CSSS Research and Knowledge Transfer Manager and Co-Directors to carry out research and knowledge transfer work in the areas of nuclear politics, safeguards, illicit trade and non-proliferation
• Work with other Centre staff to publish in appropriate academic journals
• Be responsible for the formulation of peer reviewed articles and research grant proposals; collate, interpret and analyse data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
• Carry out all research methods to a consistent and high standard and disseminate that research to appropriate audiences in the form of expert opinions, academic papers and material intended for a wider public audience at internal/external and national/international events
• May be responsible for managing and mentoring a small team of researchers
• Fully engage with the scholarship and intellectual life of the Centre and Department of War Studies

Project Management

• Manage and contribute to existing projects in intangible technology transfer controls and non-proliferation
• Identify and develop proposals for new funding opportunities
• Coordinate and present at knowledge transfer events in the UK and abroad
• Develop new ideas for knowledge transfer workshops and other events, such as new session topics and pedagogical approaches. Create effective table-top exercises and present these exercises at workshops
• Responsible for producing written reports and analysing data for internal and external audiences, including outputs tailored to non-academic stakeholders
• Required to travel internationally and domestically to engage with stakeholders from academia, industry and government; therefore will need to be flexible, culturally aware and have a good understanding of equal opportunities and diversity
• Required to work with professional services staff to manage financial budgets
• Review programme processes and partner performance

Strategic Planning

• Responsible for developing links with other national and international educational, employing and professional bodies to foster collaboration
• Identify potential challenges and bring them to the attention of the Research and Knowledge Transfer Manager for discussion when appropriate
• Plan and oversee outreach and public engagement events
• Required to keep abreast of industry, regulatory, political and scientific developments to maintain continuing relevance and currency of government funded projects
• Balance the competing pressures of research and administrative demands and deadlines, with support.

General

• Be aware of the risks in the work environment and their potential impact on work and that of others
• Show consideration to others and abide by King’s expected standards of professional behaviour, including with regards to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested by the Research and Knowledge Transfer Manager

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post
Skills, knowledge, and experience
 
Essential criteria

1. PhD in relevant subject area
2. Evidence of world-class research capability
3. Excellent research and research organisation skills
4. Excellent presentation, interpersonal and written/oral communication skills 
5. Excellent knowledge of non-proliferation issues in at least one area of relevance to the Centre for Science and Security Studies (e.g. nuclear safeguards, strategic trade controls, prevention of transfer of sensitive technology, sanctions) 
6. Experience in conducting independent research 
7. Experience in working effectively with senior academics and senior professionals demonstrated in previous roles 
8. Ability to work well in a team
9. Willingness to collaborate with colleagues in the Centre and Department 
10. Desire to promote the subjects at all levels 

Desirable criteria

1. Appropriate list of relevant academic publications or practitioner focused reports/papers in the subject area of nuclear security, safeguards or non-proliferation
2. Experience in developing research proposals
3. Experience of managing projects in an academic environment, preferably interdisciplinary and international grants

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further information

Role specific requirements & Additional Experience:

• The ability to lead a team and to supervise the work of researchers and other staff 
• The ability to devise, plan and manage delivery of research projects 
• Experience in managing projects relating to nuclear safeguards, technology transfer or proliferation issues 
• Experience in engaging with practitioners and international organisations