Research Assistant (Global Security Programme)

Job title Research Assistant (Global Security Programme)Department Global Security ProgrammeLocation Pembroke CollegeSalary This would be a casual agreement for a total of 97 hours, paid at a rate of £20 per hour.Hours Variable hours Contract type Fixed term to 30 September 2026 ,with possibility of extensionReporting to Dr Annette Idler, Director, Global Security Programme

The Research Assistant will provide research support to the Global Security Programme’s project, Networked Illicit Flows in West Africa, funded by Kyoritsu Women’s University. The project is led by Yukako Tanaka-Sakabe at Kyoritsu Women’s University and by Dr Annette Idler at Pembroke College, University of Oxford.

The project seeks to conduct a scoping study to understand the presence of networked illicit flows in West Africa, including nodes that are important to the illicit flows network. The Oxford-based team will be responsible for identifying public sources that can be used to collect data on the trafficking of drugs and of people as well as relevant nodes.

It is envisaged that the RA will focus on collecting data from public sources, including reports and news outlets. The RA will also engage with AI tools to assist with the data collection.

Responsibilities

• Manage own research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by senior colleagues
• Contribute to wider project planning
• Select, follow, and adapt specialist methodologies to confirm or refute theories, and identify suitable alternatives where information or research material is restricted
• Contribute to the design of research materials and make arrangements for data gathering
• Gather, analyse, and present qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources

Selection criteria

Essential selection criteria

• Hold a first degree, together with some relevant experience
• Working toward a postgraduate in a specialist discipline related to global security
• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge to work within established global security research programmes
• Ability to manage own research and administrative activities
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write text that can be published
• Experience of following and adapting methodologies for data collection and data analysis
• Experience of collecting data from public sources, including reports and news outlets

Desirable selection criteria

• Possess knowledge of mapping illicit flows, international criminal networks and the current political situation in West Africa
• Experience of contributing to research publications
• Experience of working in a research team and contributing ideas for new research projects
• Elementary knowledge of R or Python

Applications

Applications should be submitted by email to academichr@pmb.ox.ac.uk by 9am (UK BST) on Wednesday 27 May 2026, and should include:

• A letter of application explaining why you wish to be considered for this position,
• A curriculum vitae,
• The names, positions, and email addresses of two academic referees. References will only be requested if your application is shortlisted.

 Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form - The completion of this form is voluntary, but appreciated.

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