The DepartmentThe Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) at the University of Essex is one of the world's leading quantitative social science research institutes, internationally recognised as a centre of excellence and expertise in the analysis of longitudinal data, and for its research across a range of social science disciplines. ISER is home to the ESRC-funded Research Centre on Micro-Social Change (MiSoC), one of the longest-running ESRC-funded investments in the UK. The latest programme for MiSoC, described below, is funded until September 2019, and we now seek a Reader or Professorial-level researcher who can make a substantial contribution to securing MiSoC's future beyond 2019, as well as providing research leadership and fund-raising expertise within ISER. ISER is a research department, and there are no undergraduate teaching duties associated with this post (although there are opportunities to contribute to post-graduate teaching degrees).
Over the years, MiSoC has studied the micro-social causes and consequences of macro-social change through a wide-ranging and multi-disciplinary research agenda; a key unifying theme is the use of advanced quantitative methods and the analysis of micro-data. MiSoC is a multi-disciplinary quantitative research centre, and applications are welcomed from any relevant disciplinary background, but the balance of the current co-Directors means they are especially welcome from quantitative researchers working in sociology, demography, political science, social policy, psychology, or other disciplines related to these.
The Role and DutiesApplicants will need to have the ambition and ability to build on MiSoC's record of the past two decades, to shape a new research agenda, and to help lead MiSoC beyond 2019.
The successful candidate will join the existing 5 co-Directors of the current MiSoC programme in ISER, and will be expected to be co-Investigator (or perhaps Principal Investigator) of the next MiSoC programme, and make a strong contribution to the next Research Excellence Framework exercise. The successful candidate will be expected to secure external funding to support their research, from a range of possible sources, and will need to demonstrate their commitment to and experience in leading teams of researchers. Duties will also include contributing to MiSoc's impact strategy. supervising research students and teaching occasional graduate and training courses.
Qualifications and Skills requiredYou should have a PhD, or equivalent research experience, in a relevant social science discipline. At Professorial level, evidence of successful academic leadership and participation in large-scale research projects as PI and a commitment to, and sustained performance in, winning external research funding are essential. Professorial applicants should also have a research reputation of international standing and recognition as an emerging authority within their research specialisation. At Reader lever, the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment is essential.
We welcome applications from any disciplinary background relevant to ISER's research portfolio, although the balance of the current co-Directors of MiSoC means we are especially keen to receive applications from quantitative researchers working in sociology, demography, social policy, political science, psychology, or other related disciplines.
At the University of Essex internationalism is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally-oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries and a university where you can find the world in one place.
Please see the further detail link below for a full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please telephone the Resourcing Team (01206 874693/873521).
*Further detail: Professor or Reader and co-Director of MiSoc jobpack*More information: Working at the University