Apply Now! Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Opportunity at King’s College London: Salary: £44,355 per annum
Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – Global Observatory on Academic Freedom (GOAF)
Job ID: 113687
Salary: £44,355 per annum (inclusive of London Weighting)
Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (8 months)
Closing Date: 18 May 2025
About King’s College London and the Department
The School of Education, Communication & Society (ECS) at King’s College London is internationally recognised for its longstanding contributions to education research and teacher education. For over 130 years, ECS has been a leader in shaping practice and thought across disciplines including science and mathematics education, language and communication, and public policy.
As part of the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy, ECS is located at the vibrant Waterloo campus, offering a collaborative, diverse, and intellectually stimulating environment. The school is committed to delivering high-impact research and fostering educational practices that respond to the complex social and political challenges of our time.
More information about ECS can be found on our website: www.kcl.ac.uk/ecs
About the Role
We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship within the Global Observatory on Academic Freedom (GOAF) project. This is a full-time position offered on a fixed-term contract for eight months, with an anticipated start date aligned with the appointment process.
GOAF was established in 2020 as a pioneering research initiative focused on the evolving definitions, interpretations, and implementations of academic freedom in higher education institutions and regulatory systems worldwide. GOAF seeks to produce high-quality, policy-relevant research that redefines academic freedom in light of contemporary challenges and provides actionable frameworks for safeguarding and enhancing it across diverse academic and socio-political contexts.
The successful candidate will contribute to GOAF’s core mission by conducting empirical and theoretical research, participating in knowledge dissemination and engagement with academic and policy stakeholders, and contributing to the development of innovative tools and frameworks to support academic freedom globally.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research aligned with GOAF’s objectives, including literature reviews, qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis, and stakeholder engagement
- Contribute to the production of research outputs such as journal articles, policy briefs, and reports
- Collaborate with the GOAF team and contribute to project meetings, workshops, and outreach events
- Liaise with academic and non-academic partners to advance the project’s engagement goals
- Assist with administrative tasks related to the project, including report writing and dissemination activities
About You
To be considered for this position, you must demonstrate the following essential qualifications and attributes:
Essential Criteria:
- A PhD in a relevant discipline, such as social sciences, law, or humanities (candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting final award are also eligible)
- A track record of research, writing, or public engagement on topics related to academic freedom, higher education governance, or similar themes
- Demonstrated commitment to the principles of academic freedom, intellectual autonomy, and academic integrity
- Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to engage a range of audiences
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks independently
- Evidence of initiative, creativity, and flexibility in previous research or professional roles
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working in collaborative research environments across disciplines or institutions
- Familiarity with international higher education policy or regulatory environments
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex academic concepts into policy-relevant language or formats
Additional Information
This role is suitable for individuals who have completed or are near completion of their doctoral studies. Candidates awaiting formal PhD confirmation may be appointed at Grade 5 (spine point 30) under the title Research Assistant. Upon successful award of the PhD, the title will be updated to Research Associate, and the salary adjusted to Grade 6.
King’s College London is committed to building an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity and welcomes individuals from all backgrounds. We value the unique contributions each individual brings and aim to create a supportive, collegial environment where all staff can thrive.
Applicants are required to submit a current CV along with a supporting statement clearly demonstrating how they meet the essential criteria outlined above. In the case of a competitive applicant pool, desirable criteria may be used to determine final shortlisting.
