Thematic Research Lead on International Affairs and National Security

We have an exciting opportunity for a researcher to take up the role of Thematic Research Lead on International Affairs and National Security, embedded in Parliament for 24 months. This role is open to university-based researchers or researchers working in a UKRI Eligible Independent Research Organisation.

About the role

Thematic Research Leads (TRLs) are mid-career researchers who conduct the role part-time (three days a week, 0.6FTE), whilst retaining their substantive research organisation post for the remaining time. They are funded to do this role by UKRI.

The purpose of the TRL is to facilitate and enhance the use of research evidence and expertise in Parliament (in both the House of Commons and House of Lords) across a broad policy area, through effective knowledge exchange and collaboration. TRLs are based in policy-relevant teams in Parliament and operate in a network facilitated by POST’s Knowledge Exchange Unit.

The position of TRL is a highly influential and prestigious role at the heart of Parliament. As far as we are aware, we are the first parliament globally to have developed such a position, and the first nation to have embedded a network of external researchers in our legislature. In a global landscape, delivering and developing this role therefore provides exciting possibilities.  

The role offers an exciting opportunity for you to see first-hand how research feeds into policy, through shaping parliamentary work with your research expertise, and participating in the development of parliamentary processes for knowledge exchange.  

You will be uniquely placed to build connections with parliamentary and government stakeholders, and this participation will provide you with rich and varied experiences to support you on an upward professional trajectory. Current postholders have reported that the role has contributed to advancement in their careers, including to professorial level.  

What will you be doing?

The purpose of the Parliamentary Thematic Research Lead on International Affairs and National Security is to support and enhance knowledge exchange between parliamentary staff and external researchers working in this broad policy area.

Thematic Research Leads conduct three kinds of activities:

• Strategic support for the production and delivery of research evidence for Parliament within the policy portfolio
• Activities to support the development of a research and innovation landscape that facilitates and encourages knowledge exchange between Parliament and the research community 
• Participation in the Thematic Research Leads network to share intelligence and insights across policy areas

Candidate requirements

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate the following on their online application form:

• An established national reputation in your discipline. Broad knowledge of the work and experts in International Affairs and National Security, as well as knowledge of the policy landscape relating to this policy area.
• The ability to get up to speed quickly on areas outside of your specialism and make these understandable for non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to liaise and collaborate impartially with diverse stakeholders at different levels of seniority.
• Ability to work at speed, to tight deadlines, as well as to adapt to changing priorities.
• A pro-active and innovative approach, and experience in spotting and capitalizing on opportunities to increase impact.

Next steps

If you are interested in this role, please submit your application form, anonymised three-page CV and completed ‘support and funding verification’ form through this portal. This is not an employment recruitment process; an online recruitment portal is being used for best practice, including protection of your data and diversity monitoring. For more information on this role, or to contact the Knowledge Exchange Unit who are coordinating this call, please refer to the documents found above (Person Specification and Guidance Notes for Applicants).