Post-Doctoral Researcher (International Tax)

Institute of Development Studies

The International Centre for Tax and Development (ICTD) at IDS is seeking to appoint a Post-Doctoral Researcher in International Tax.

ICTD’s International Tax programme focuses on three interrelated areas: applicability of international tax standards to lower-income country contexts and consideration of simplification measures; negotiation and evaluation of bilateral tax treaties by lower-income countries; and the politics of multilateral tax negotiations. The programme has historically focused on corporate taxation, but is now also examining the taxation of wealthy individuals in the context of exchange of information standards and mutual assistance agreements.

Our research is interdisciplinary, and candidates from a range of disciplines will be considered, including political economy, public policy, international relations, law, economics and accounting.

ICTD is part of The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) which delivers world-class research, learning and teaching that transforms the knowledge, action and leadership needed for more equitable and sustainable development globally.

The researcher will have three areas of responsibility:

  1. Play a central role in the international team conducting a two-year, six-country research project: “A national lens on international tax standards in lower-income countries” (40%).
  2. Pursue their own research agenda on topics relevant to The International Centre for Tax and Development (ICTD)’s international tax research programme (40%).
  3. Provide ad hoc support for ICTD’s portfolio of international tax research projects, communications and policy engagement. This includes, for example, providing feedback on ICTD-supported research projects, reviewing working papers, writing blogs and policy briefs, and helping to organise research workshops (20%).

Overall purpose of the role:

Post-Doctoral research posts at IDS provide the opportunity for recent PhD graduates to develop further research experience, in collaboration with more senior colleagues. This is seen as a transitional position between a PhD and a longer-term research career. The position should also provide opportunity for the Post-Doctoral post holder to write and publish, either collaboratively with others, or drawing from their own work, but the time and structure of this will depend on the nature of the funding for the post.

The Post-Doctoral Researcher will undertake an agreed programme of work, normally over a two year period, suitable to their funding source. For some, this might be a single postdoctoral fellowship or post-doctoral research position in a project; others might work on a portfolio of projects. They will also contribute to the development of new research projects and may also undertake consultancy assignments directly related to their area of expertise.

The work will be under the direction and line management of ICTD’s International Tax Research Lead, who is an IDS Research Fellow. The line manager is responsible for induction, appraisal, support and ongoing management to support excellent performance, though these activities can be designated to other senior colleagues by agreement.

The line manager will support the Post-Doctoral Researcher to achieve a programme of published work and in the second year of the post, to identify and pursue suitable future funding opportunities, building up independent fundraising skills. The income target is currently 192 days. In the event that funding at the expected level is not secured, a number of supportive steps will be followed, as set out in the RARO/PDR policy.

The Post-Doctoral Researcher will also be a member of a Governance cluster whose leader and members can be expected to provide broader intellectual support, but who are not responsible for fundraising or career progression.

Post-Doctoral Researchers will have a ‘career progression review’ towards the end of their two years in post, conducted by a designated small group of IDS research leaders and managers, to take stock of performance and advise on career development prospects.

All Post-Doctoral Researchers are additionally welcome to take advantage of the Institute’s mentoring scheme.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Post-Doctoral Researcher include:

Research activities

  • Undertake a range of desk research, including carrying out literature reviews and other background research activities in timely fashion to the agreed standard.
  • Undertake field-based research as appropriate.
  • Maintain up to date knowledge of key literatures and methodologies relevant to international taxation.
  • Write up literature reviews, formal reports and other syntheses of projects, including web topic guides, issue papers and other documents as required in accordance with the agreed specifications.
  • Produce high quality publications, aiming at a minimum of one article-length piece during each year of the post-doctoral fellowship
  • Assist with managing projects in collaboration with hub staff and the relevant research leader, including budgets, timelines and outputs.

Networking and liaison

  • Build and maintain networks and relationships with clients, funders and partner organisations.
  • Promote the work of the Institute both nationally and internationally.
  • Develop links with external contacts to foster collaboration and partnerships.

Communications

  • Work on all aspects of effective communication outputs, including social media, media interviews, and the production of high-quality publications.

Teaching and Learning

  • Contribute to post-graduate teaching and the production of on-line teaching material.

Collegiality

  • The Post-Doctoral Researcher will be a member of the Governance Cluster and will have opportunities to participate in the activities of the wider cluster
  • Contribute to the strategic development of IDS, and taking part in IDS-wide discussions and debates
  • Carry out other IDS-related and ad hoc tasks as required
  • Contribute to the collegial life of IDS
  • Participate in cluster/department and Institute activities as required. Act as a responsible group member and develop productive working relationships with others

Funding

  • Depending on their main funding source and its expectations, the Post-Doctoral Researcher will have opportunities to develop and seek funding for other research studies, including participating in and leading the development of new proposals.
  • Identify and pursue new funding sources.
  • Assist with, and increasingly, lead, the development and writing of bids and proposals
  • Build relationships which are likely to lead to funding

The Post-Doctoral Researcher position is a fixed term position, normally for two years. Individuals will be expected to start to diversify their funding and pursue funding opportunities in their second year. With support and training the aim is for the Post-Doctoral researcher to develop their own portfolio of work. It is anticipated that for the right candidate this role will eventually lead to the possibility of application to a Fellowship position at IDS, subject to a vacancy arising and meeting the required standards as assessed by the Fellow Review and Promotion Board.

How to apply

To apply, please visit the IDS website and complete an online application or access this link 14-2022 Post-Doctoral Researcher (International Tax) – Jobs at IDS


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