Research Associate in Academic Freedom
Job ID: 113687
Salary: £44,355 (inclusive of London Weighting)
Posted: 25 April 2025
Closing Date: 18 May 2025
Business Unit: Social Science & Public Policy
Department: Education, Communication & Society
Location: Waterloo Campus, King’s College London
Category: Research
About the Institution
The School of Education, Communication & Society (ECS) at King’s College London stands as a distinguished leader in teacher education and education research, with a proud legacy spanning over 130 years. Today, ECS is renowned for its innovative research and teaching in areas including science and mathematics education, language, culture and communication, and public policy.
As a vital part of the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy, ECS is based at the Waterloo Campus, conveniently situated in the heart of London. The school fosters a vibrant academic community committed to advancing knowledge and understanding in education and society. For more information about ECS, please visit www.kcl.ac.uk/ecs.
About the Role
King’s College London invites applications for a ten-month Postdoctoral Research Associate position within the Global Observatory on Academic Freedom (GOAF) project. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in impactful research at the intersection of higher education, law, and social sciences, with a focus on safeguarding and advancing academic freedom worldwide.
GOAF is a pioneering research initiative launched in 2020, dedicated to examining contemporary understandings and practices of academic freedom across different jurisdictions and institutional contexts. The project aims to develop conceptual frameworks and practical guidelines that respond to current challenges in maintaining academic autonomy amid evolving social, political, and regulatory landscapes.
This full-time position is offered on a fixed-term basis for 8 months, beginning from the date of appointment. The successful candidate will work closely with a dynamic team of scholars and stakeholders, contributing to research outputs, policy recommendations, and community engagement activities related to academic freedom.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent and collaborative research on academic freedom, including literature reviews, data collection, and analysis.
- Contribute to the development of conceptual frameworks and practical guidelines for academic freedom in diverse contexts.
- Prepare research papers, policy briefs, and presentations for dissemination at academic conferences and public forums.
- Engage with academic communities, policymakers, and civil society stakeholders to promote understanding and effective practices of academic freedom.
- Support the organization of workshops, seminars, and other dissemination activities associated with GOAF.
- Contribute to the overall management and coordination of the project in line with institutional policies and goals.
About You
To succeed in this role, candidates should demonstrate the following skills, experience, and commitment:
Essential Criteria:
- A PhD in social sciences, law, humanities, or a related discipline (candidates pending final thesis submission will also be considered).
- Proven research, writing, and/or policy engagement experience related to academic freedom or closely related themes.
- A strong commitment to the principles of intellectual autonomy and academic freedom, with a desire to promote these values within academia and society.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of engaging diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and manage research activities independently with effective time management.
- Initiative, creativity, and adaptability to work in a dynamic research environment.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience in comparative or international studies of higher education or academic freedom.
- Past involvement in policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, or community outreach.
- Multilingual abilities or experience working in multicultural settings.
Full details of the role, responsibilities, and the selection criteria are available in the official Job Description document, which can be downloaded after clicking “Apply Now” on the application portal. This document outlines the specific skills and knowledge assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
Additional Information
Candidate Eligibility:
While the role is at the PhD level, candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their doctorate are encouraged to apply. In such cases, the initial appointment will be at Grade 5, spine point 30, with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the PhD award, the appointment will be upgraded to Research Associate at Grade 6, with a corresponding salary increase.
Diversity and Inclusion:
King’s College London prides itself on fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment. The university values diversity in its staff and student body and actively promotes equality, accessibility, and belonging. The institution works closely with unions and staff networks to support a positive workplace culture.
Application Process:
Candidates are required to submit a CV and a covering statement outlining how they meet each of the essential criteria listed in the job advert. When submitting, please include evidence of your experience and achievements related to the role’s requirements. If the pool of applicants is highly competitive, the selection panel may also consider the desirable criteria to shortlist candidates.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should review the full job description and criteria available via the application portal. To apply, please upload your CV and supporting statement by the closing date: 18 May 2025.
For further inquiries or to contact the project lead, Liviu Matei, email [email protected].
Why Join King’s College London?
This position offers a rare opportunity to contribute to critical debates and policies on academic freedom at a global level. You will work within a distinguished academic community, benefit from the university’s supportive environment, and engage with stakeholders across the higher education sector. Your research can influence policy, promote scholarly autonomy, and help shape the future of academia worldwide.
Embark on this meaningful journey with King’s College London and make a lasting impact on the future of education and society.
Apply Here
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