Research Professor in International Trade Ref; 20991

School/department: UK Trade Policy Observatory (UKTPO) a joint venture between University of Sussex Business School, (Department of Economics), and School of Law, Politics and Sociology, (Department of Law)
Hours: Full time. Requests for flexible working options will be considered (subject to business need)
Location: Brighton, United Kingdom
Contract: Fixed term for 3 years (with potential for renewal, subject to funding)
Reference: 20991
Salary: Competitive
Placed on: 07 July 2023
Closing date:  21 July 2023. Applications must be received by midnight of the closing date.
Expected interview date: 29 August 2023
Expected start date: Negotiable


Job description

This is a senior position, initially for three years, to which we are looking to recruit a highly experienced researcher with knowledge and expertise in the field of international trade law, a commensurate track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals, a demonstrable interest in the policy relevance of their work, experience generating research grants and leading major funding bids, and experience of working in an interdisciplinary context.

The post holder will play an important role in contributing to the trade group at Sussex as a Deputy Director of the UKTPO. Hence, this post provides the opportunity to spend the next three years focusing on research with relevance and impact, and as Deputy Director of the UKTPO to provide leadership and input into its ongoing development. It is anticipated that approximately 0.2% of the post holders time will involve directly contributing to the work of Department of Law. 

The UKTPO is a dynamic, interdisciplinary group and we are looking for somebody who will welcome working with a team of trade experts, including economists, lawyers and international business, and somebody who values policy impact and external engagement. With the range of challenges facing the world trading system It is an exciting time to join UKTPO’s dynamic and interdisciplinary team to undertake advanced research on international trade and trade policy. In particular, the UKTPO seeks to strengthen its research and impact capacity at the intersection of trade policy and sustainability. The UKTPO is at the forefront of national and multilateral trade policy analysis and commentary. As such, the position offers excellent conditions for research, for working as part of a stimulating team, and ample opportunities to build contacts with policy makers and other stakeholders 

The UKTPO is focused on producing high quality academic research as well as extensive engagement with the policy making community and wider stakeholders. The Research Professor / Deputy Director will contribute to the management of the UKTPO, and will undertake the role of Principal Investigator on externally funded research projects, will demonstrate and provide academic leadership to more junior members of the team across the range of disciplines, and will seek to enhance interdisciplinary collaborations. While much of the UKTPO’s work focuses on trade topics as they relate to the UK, our work has a broader remit and areas of research and activity are by no means exclusively UK focused. 

In the broader context of the challenges facing international trade policy, and UK trade policy making, we particularly welcome applications from researchers with an interest in the relationship between trade and sustainability, be this with a focus on climate change, or trade and the environment and agriculture. 

Candidates should demonstrate:

  • The ability to conduct outstanding and impactful academic research in international trade law;
  • A strong interest in trade policy and willingness to engage with policy makers, stakeholders and the media;
  • Experience of managing projects and teams of researchers;
  • The ability to communicate clearly both in writing and verbally. 

Collaboration and team working are central to the UKTPO, so being able to work closely with colleagues in a fast-moving and exciting area is vital. 

Please contact Michael Gasiorek, Director of the UK Trade Policy Observatory on m.gasiorek@sussex.ac.uk / uktpo@sussex.ac.uk  for informal enquiries.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Applications are particularly welcomed from women and black and minority ethnic candidates.

You can find out more about our values and our EDI Strategy,  Inclusive Sussex, on our webpages.

Download Job Description and further specification 20991 [PDF 226.60KB]

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed from the UK. 

Visa Sponsorship Queries:

This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full time. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page  for further information about Visa Sponsorship.


How to apply

If you wish to apply for the role you should submit a short, up to two-page, letter of application plus a summary CV (no more than 4 sides) outlining the key facts and information about yourself, what you will bring to the role and why you are the right person for it.

Please also include the details of three referees you would be happy for us to contact should you be shortlisted for interview. 

Please also complete and submit our Personal Details and Equal Opportunities Form [DOCX 65.11KB]

Your expression of interest should be sent to: Emma Macfarlane (seniorrecruitment@sussex.ac.uk)

Download our terms and conditions summary for Research faculty [PDF 11.39KB]


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