The School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES), University of London, stands as a premier institution dedicated to the study of Russia, Central and Eastern Europe, and the wider Eurasian region. Founded in 1915 amid the geopolitical shifts of World War I, SSEES has evolved into a global hub for interdisciplinary research and teaching on the languages, literatures, histories, politics, and economies of these areas. Part of University College London (UCL) since 2014, it benefits from UCL's world-class resources while maintaining its specialized focus.
Jobs at School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University of London, attract scholars passionate about area studies. These roles span teaching, research, and administration, offering opportunities to engage with cutting-edge topics like post-Soviet transitions, EU enlargement impacts, and cultural identities in the Balkans. SSEES's location in London's Bloomsbury district provides access to libraries like the British Library and diplomatic networks, enriching professional development.
The school's emphasis on multilingualism and fieldwork makes it ideal for careers in academia. Whether you're eyeing lecturer jobs or research assistant positions, SSEES fosters an environment where expertise in fields like Polish literature or Ukrainian politics translates into impactful contributions.
SSEES traces its roots to 1915, established to promote understanding of Slavonic peoples during wartime uncertainties. Initially under the University of London's wing, it expanded post-World War II with Cold War-era funding, becoming a key center for Soviet studies. Renowned figures like Archie Brown shaped its reputation in political science.
Today, SSEES continues this legacy through centers like the UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies Centre for the Study of Central and East European Politics. This history informs jobs at SSEES, where roles often involve archival research or policy analysis drawing on decades of institutional knowledge. Understanding this background helps applicants highlight how their work aligns with SSEES's enduring mission to bridge East and West.
SSEES offers undergraduate degrees in languages (Russian, Polish, Serbian/Croatian) combined with history or economics, and postgraduate programs like the MSc in Russian and East European Studies. Departments cover history, politics, economics, and cultures, with strengths in Eurasian studies.
Careers here involve teaching these programs, supervising dissertations on topics like nationalism in the Caucasus, or leading modules on contemporary Russia. Administrative jobs support student recruitment and events, while research roles contribute to publications in journals like Europe-Asia Studies.
Job opportunities at SSEES include faculty positions such as Assistant Professors in History or Senior Lecturers in Economics, research-focused postdocs, and support roles like Library Specialists in rare books on Slavonica. For a full breakdown of university job types, visit our dedicated page.
Lecturer jobs demand balancing teaching loads with research outputs, often 40% teaching, 40% research, 20% administration. Research assistants assist on funded projects, gaining hands-on experience in data analysis or fieldwork in Kyiv or Warsaw.
To secure jobs at School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University of London, candidates typically need a PhD in a relevant discipline, such as East European History (PhD) or International Relations with a regional focus. For senior roles like Professors, a proven track record of leading departments or securing major grants is essential. Entry-level positions may accept advanced master's degrees plus publications, but a doctorate is standard for tenure-track paths.
This qualification ensures depth in area-specific methodologies, like qualitative analysis of Soviet archives or quantitative modeling of post-communist economies.
SSEES prioritizes research on Russia's foreign policy, Balkan conflicts, Central Asian energy politics, and cultural heritage preservation. Expertise in languages (Russian, Ukrainian, Romanian) or digital humanities applied to East European texts is crucial. Ongoing projects explore decolonization narratives and EU-Russia relations, aligning with UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) funding priorities.
Applicants should demonstrate familiarity with SSEES's research themes, such as those at the Centre for the Study of Contemporary China or Eurasian Wellbeing projects.
Preferred experience for SSEES roles includes peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 5+ articles in Q1 journals), grant success (British Academy or Leverhulme Trust), and teaching evaluations above 4/5. International fieldwork or policy advising for bodies like the OSCE adds value. For administrative jobs, experience in student advising or event management in multicultural settings is favored.
Key skills encompass advanced research design, grant writing, multilingual communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Competencies like public engagement (podcasts, conferences) and digital tools (NVivo for qualitative data) are vital. Soft skills such as cultural sensitivity and team leadership support SSEES's global outlook.
Core Competencies:
The application process starts with monitoring UCL Jobs portal for SSEES vacancies. Submit a tailored CV, 2-page cover letter addressing selection criteria, research proposal, and three references. Interviews feature presentations on your research vision.
Actionable Tips:
Follow up post-submission; timelines span 2-3 months.
SSEES champions inclusion via UCL's Race Equality Charter and Silver Athena SWAN award. Initiatives include mentoring for women in STEM-adjacent fields like economic modeling of Eastern Europe, BAME (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic) scholarships, and LGBTQ+ networks. Recent hires prioritized underrepresented voices in Romanian studies, fostering diverse perspectives on migration.
SSEES supports balance with hybrid working, 35-hour weeks, and 27-42 days annual leave based on service. Campus life buzzes with colloquia, film nights on Polish cinema, and yoga sessions in UCL's gym. Bloomsbury's cafes and parks aid decompression, while parental leave policies aid family life. Staff praise the supportive Head of School and peer networks for reducing burnout in high-pressure research.
Jobs at School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University of London, offer rewarding paths for experts in Eurasian studies. From PhD-required faculty roles to dynamic research posts, SSEES combines prestige with impact. Explore more higher ed jobs, career advice, or university jobs. Institutions can post a job to attract top talent.
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