Post Doctoral Research Associate - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS

Post Doctoral Research Associate - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS

About us:

The Global institute for Womens Leadership is a globallyrecognised research instituteon gender equalitylocatedin the heart of LondonatKings College London, one of the worlds oldest and most prestigious universities. GIWL was founded in 2018 by the 27thPrime Minister of Australia, The Hon Julia Gillard, AC who continues to chair the institute and play an active role its work. In 2025, GIWL became a part of Kings Business School, which is a dynamic new faculty focused on business as a force for good. Our work is structured around three key themes that reflect current societal, economic, and political transformations: Modern Work and Gender Equality, Inclusive Entrepreneurship for A Sustainable Future and Leadership models fit for the future and inclusive cultures.

About the role:

This post will contribute to a developing programme of quantitative research on work and well-being, in relation to modern work (flexible working, digitalisation of work, AI), leadership, and entrepreneurship. The role is designed to strengthen research capacity in empirical, data-driven analysis with a particular focus on generating robust evidence that challenges prevailing assumptions and dominant narratives around ideal worker and entrepreneur models and the role well-being has therein.

The post is not tied to a single externally funded project, but supports the development of high-quality quantitative research outputs, pilot analyses, and competitive external funding proposals aligned with the centres research priorities. The postholder will work closely with academic staff to develop collaborative research, contribute to grant development, and produce publishable academic outputs.

This is a full time position.The appointment is for 12 months in the first instance, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability.

Research staff at Kings are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers , applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you:

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD qualified in Social Sciences including sociology, social policy, management, economics, psychology, or similar.
2. Strong quantitative research expertise, evidenced by doctoral or postdoctoral research on work, employment, well-being, or entrepreneurship.
3. Experience with longitudinal, panel, or administrative data sources.
4. Proficiency in relevant statistical software (e.g. Stata, R, Python, SPSS, or similar).
5. Proven capability to produce publishable empirical research outputs
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present quantitative findings clearly to academic audiences.
7. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Desirable criteria

1. Experience contributing to, or leading, grant or funding applications.
2. Experience in economic analysis on return on investment of policies
3. Interest in relevant policy areas both at national and company level
4. Evidence of interdisciplinary research collaboration.

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

At Kings, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.

The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.

We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at Kings guidance.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly, and we recognise its growing role in professional work. Applicants may use AI tools to support preparation of their application, for example to research the role or structure written responses. However, applications must reflect the applicants own work and experience. AI tools should not be used during interviews or assessment activities unless this has been agreed in advance as a reasonable adjustment. Further guidance on the use of AI in recruitment can be found here.

We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day.

We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our How we Recruit pages.