Research Associate in Refugee Studies

University of Leicester - College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Location: Hybrid Working

Vacancy terms: Full-time, fixed term contract from 03 August 2026 to 31 January 2030

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

We are seeking a Research Associates in Refugee Studies to join a multi-country research programme on LGBTIQ+ asylum and forced migration, based in the School of Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Leicester.

Working closely with Dr Diego García Rodríguez and a network of international partners, the post-holders will design, co-design and conduct ethnographic fieldwork, support mixed-methods surveys, and work with civil society organisations and experts by experience. They will contribute to high-quality academic publications, policy briefs and creative/arts-based outputs (e.g. documentaries, exhibitions and theatre), as well as to the development of a Global LGBTIQ+ Asylum Observatory. The roles involve substantial collaboration with NGOs, community groups and policy stakeholders in the case study countries.

About you

We are looking for candidates with a PhD (or near completion) in Anthropology, Sociology, Migration Studies, Human Geography, Middle East/African Studies or a closely related field; strong experience in ethnographic and qualitative research with LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum and/or refugee communities; and experience of working with civil society and community-based organisations. Familiarity with participatory and/or creative methods and excellent policy literacy on asylum and LGBTIQ+ inclusion are essential.

You must have demonstrable experience of working in Kenya and the UK (or strong existing connections in both contexts), and languages: English (C2) and Swahili (professional working proficiency).

We particularly welcome applications from researchers with lived experience of displacement, racialisation and/or minoritisation, and from those who share the project’s commitment to decolonial, trauma-informed and participatory research practice.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and can be directed to Laura Nevay (administrative queries) at laura.nevay@leicester.ac.uk, and Dr Diego García Rodríguez (project/academic queries) at diego.garciarodriguez@nottingham.ac.uk

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Advert closes midnight on: 01 February 2026