Brief Information
The Research Officer Middle East Centre 2026 position at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a highly competitive, fully funded 12-month research role. The selected candidate will work directly under the supervision of Dr. Katerina Dalacoura, Director of the Middle East Centre. This role is ideal for researchers with expertise in secularity, state policy, religiosity, and MENA studies. LSE offers a world-class academic environment, generous benefits, and outstanding professional development opportunities.
Key Dates & Details
Queries Contact: [email protected]
Deadline: 14 January 2026 (23:59 UK time)
Location: London School of Economics (Hybrid work model)
Position Duration: 12 months (funding fully available)
Salary: £43,277 – £51,714 per year (potential progression to £55,497)
Target Group: PhD holders with expertise in secularity & Middle East research
Department: Middle East Centre, LSE
Key Areas: Secularity, government policy, religiosity, foreign policy, sociological secularisation
Official Application Portal: https://jobs.lse.ac.uk/
Organiser / Hiring Manager: Dr. Katerina Dalacoura
Table of Contents
Overview
The Research Officer Middle East Centre 2026 role at LSE provides an opportunity for an early-career or experienced academic to contribute to a major interdisciplinary research initiative on secularity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Under the direction of Dr. Katerina Dalacoura, the Research Officer will support an ambitious funding proposal focused on secularity from policy, diplomatic, societal, and institutional perspectives. Candidates with comparative or multi-country expertise in the region are especially encouraged to apply.
LSE’s Middle East Centre is a leading global hub for research, policymaking dialogue, and capacity-building, making this an excellent opportunity for scholars seeking both academic impact and professional growth.
Eligibility
Applicants for the Research Officer Middle East Centre 2026 must meet the following criteria:
- A completed PhD in a relevant discipline connected to Middle East studies, secularity, political science, sociology, international relations, or related fields.
- Demonstrated research expertise in at least one of the following:
- Secularity and state policy in the Middle East
- Religious and secular transformations
- Foreign policy and diplomatic relations
- Sociological aspects of secularisation within state institutions
- Fieldwork or research experience in at least one MENA country.
- Strong record of producing publishable academic research.
- Experience preparing major research funding applications and coordinating research activities.
- A preference will be given to candidates who have worked across multiple MENA region countries.
Application Details
To apply for the Research Officer Middle East Centre 2026, candidates must submit their application through the official LSE jobs portal. Required documents typically include:
- A detailed CV highlighting research outputs, fieldwork, and publications
- A cover letter explaining fit for the role and relevant expertise
- Any additional documents requested in the application pack (linked below)
Applicants can consult the “How to Apply,” job description, and person specification documents before submitting:
- How to Apply: (LSE attachment link provided in source)
- Job Description: (LSE attachment link provided in source)
Applications must be submitted by 14 January 2026 at 23:59 UK time. Late submissions cannot be accepted.
LSE offers competitive pay, hybrid working arrangements, pension benefits, generous leave, and access to extensive training programs to support ongoing academic development.
For further understanding of research careers in the UK, you may visit:
https://www.ukri.org/careers
What is the main focus of the Research Officer Middle East Centre 2026 role?
The primary objective is to support a major interdisciplinary funding application examining secularity in the MENA region across policy, social, and institutional dimensions.
Is this a fully funded position?
Yes. Funding is already secured to support this role for 12 months.
Does the role require fieldwork?
Applicants must already have experience conducting research in at least one MENA country, though the role may involve additional research coordination as needed.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. LSE encourages international researchers to apply, provided they meet the academic and research requirements.
Official Link
👉 Click here to apply for the Research Officer Middle East Centre 2026:
https://jobs.lse.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/5882/0/461331/15539/research-officer-middle-east-centre
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