Research Officer Vacancy at the Institute Development of Studies (Annual Salary: £28,667 to £42,325)

Finance June 30, 2023

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Research Officer Vacancy at the Institute Development of Studies

The Portfolio Research Officer role offers early career researchers the opportunity to transition from a fully funded post working on one project or programme to a portfolio role, working across several projects. The role is seen as developmental, growing over a period of time from a more supported and majority funded role to one where the individual has secured, or helps secure, the majority of their funding. It offers researchers the chance to develop their academic skills and experience in a structured way.

Research Officer Vacancy at the Institute Development of Studies

Salary:	£28,667 to £42,325
Post Type:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Permanent
Closing Date:	23.59 hours BST on Wednesday 05 July 2023
Reference:	06-2023

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) delivers world-class research, learning and teaching that transforms the knowledge, action and leadership needed for more equitable and sustainable development globally.

IDS is engaged in research, training and advisory on the role of innovation in development, and the role of inclusive trade for trade policy and development. This is an exciting opportunity for a Research Officer to work on a portfolio of projects on innovation, trade and development.

In the first year, the Research Officer will spend most of their time (75%) on the project ‘Innovation and Complementary Capabilities for Vaccines’ funded by ESRC. This project looks at the intersection of innovation, trade, and business literature to incorporate more centrally: (a) the role of complex interactions between innovation and political and other complementary market-enabling capabilities at the firm level and, (b) the required alignments between firm level capabilities and those of regulatory institutions in explaining the different capacities of firms and countries to introduce new products and technologies into the market. The Research Officer will also be expected to spend time developing proposals on innovation and trade supporting senior fellows. There will also be opportunities to engage with teaching and professional development activities.

Applicants will have a postgraduate degree in economics and knowledge of theoretical and practical literature on trade, innovation, macroeconomics and conflicts. Excellent analytical and synthesis skills are essential along with strong quantitative skills.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Portfolio Research Officer include:

Research

Undertake a range of desk research, including carrying out literature reviews and other background research activities in timely fashion to the agreed standard.
Undertake field-based research in collaboration with research partners as appropriate.
Work collaboratively with Fellows and other researchers and managers on agreed projects, supporting them with research activities, including those which generate future funded work.
Develop familiarity with key literatures and methodologies on the relevant areas of research.
Write up literature reviews, formal reports and other syntheses of projects, including web topic guides, issue papers and other documents as required in accordance with the agreed specifications.
Assist with managing projects in collaboration with engagement hub staff and the relevant research leader, including budgets, timelines and outputs.
Maintain knowledge and keep abreast of relevant debates, current research and clients’ evolving policies in the thematic areas assigned.

Liaison and Networking

Build and maintaining networks and relationships with research clients, expert contacts, relevant organisations and current or future funders.
Develop links with external contacts to foster collaboration and partnerships.
Liaise with clients and with leading academics to ensure that coverage of topic areas is comprehensive and suitably supports the needs of our clients and their partners.
Promote the work of the Institute both nationally and internationally.

Communications

Work with cluster and project colleagues to develop and adapt services to respond to the changing needs of clients and funders.
Coordinate and facilitating effective communication and teamwork, including assistance in planning and supporting high level events.
Contribute to publications including academic journal articles, research reports and IDS bulletins on all substantive research projects.
Contribute to other communications outputs including IDS blogs, and social media, produce opinion pieces, and participate in media interviews.

Collegiality

Contribute to the strategic development of IDS, and taking part in IDS-wide discussions and debates.
Carry out other IDS-related and ad hoc tasks as required.
Contribute to the collegial life of IDS.
Participate in cluster/department and Institute activities as required. Act as a responsible group member and develop productive working relationships with others.

Funding

Assist with, and in some cases lead, the development and writing of bids and proposals.
Build relationships which are likely to lead to funding.
Become familiar with funding sources and actively pursue funding opportunities in coordination with the Line Manager and/or cluster leader.

Teaching and Learning

Carry out teaching as required and agreed to a high standard (likely to include course/module/session preparation in association with the relevant course convenor, delivery of agreed sessions, assessments and marking of Masters level work, in line with the relevant regulations).

Any other duties of a similar nature commensurate with the grade of the post.

Benefits

At IDS we offer a number of additional benefits to staff. These include:

a competitive salary, including cost of living awards and incremental increases on an annual basis as per policy and the option to join our pension scheme.
interest free travel loans, following successful completion of a probationary period
support in attainment of a relevant professional qualification in line with the Professional Development Policy
childcare fund
competitive maternity and paternity policies that offer compensation above the statutory minimum
24 days annual leave per year (pro-rata for part-time), plus public holidays and up to 6 non-negotiable closure days
enhanced sickness pay entitlements
support with relocation costs for staff joining us from outside the EU
eligibility to use the University of Sussex gym and sporting facilities at staff rates

Apply Here: Research Officer Vacancy at the Institute Development of Studies