Researcher

Role: Researcher

Contract Type: Volunteer

Interview: April 2025

Duration 12 Months

Who we are & What do we believe? 

Arcadia is a non-profit, international non-governmental organisation with a global presence, comprising 238 members from all seven continents. Founded and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Arcadia is dedicated to two core missions:

Our primary mission is to make university-level education accessible to everyone, irrespective of financial, social, geographical, or political barriers. We strive for academic excellence and aim to diminish the limitations to education, ensuring that high-quality education is available to all. Our secondary mission is to foster a global appreciation and support for art. By addressing contemporary global issues through art in our exhibitions, and highlighting significant art events worldwide, we aim to cultivate a deep-seated art consciousness. Our goal is to inspire a greater appreciation for art in the modern world.

At Arcadia, our academic team consists of over 70 international researchers who contribute to Higher Education-level academic articles across a myriad of disciplines. Our commitment to sharing knowledge without any charges or subscriptions ensures that everyone, everywhere, can benefit from our collective expertise. We believe in the transformative power of education and art to create a better, more enlightened world, a modern utopia.

Wherever you are, whoever you are !

We believe that the internet is one of the greatest resources humanity has achieved, giving us the opportunity to exceed our physical boundaries. Arcadia welcomes all; regardless of gender, ethnicity, and age. We embrace diversity and as an international NGO with more than 79 different nationalities, our aim is to support diversity within our teams and allow people all around the world to have the opportunity to join and contribute and grow in their fields of interest.

About the Position

Arcadia is seeking visionary researchers to contribute to its mission of advancing scholarly discourse and bringing underexplored academic topics to the forefront. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in rigorous, original research, shaping intellectual conversations in an interdisciplinary and globally connected research environment.   Reporting to the Chief Research Officer, researchers will operate independently while collaborating with Arcadia’s editorial team to ensure academic excellence and publication quality. This position is designed for scholars who are eager to produce impactful research, engage in cutting-edge inquiry, and contribute to the evolution of knowledge within their respective fields.  

Researchers will be expected to publish one research article per month, alternating between two distinct formats:  

• Standard Research Articles: These will explore a topic of the researcher’s choice within their field of expertise, provided it aligns with their academic background. These articles must demonstrate rigorous methodology, intellectual depth, and critical analysis, contributing meaningfully to academic discourse.  

• Research Series: Each researcher will develop a 6-chapter research series, focusing on an under examined or emerging area within their discipline. These series will aim to uncover gaps in existing scholarship, providing new perspectives and insights that challenge conventional narratives. The series will be grounded in methodologically sound research and published progressively, culminating in a comprehensive body of work at the end of its cycle.  

Each month, researchers will alternate between producing a standard research article and a research series chapter, ensuring a diverse and dynamic research output. At the conclusion of a research series, the collective work will be published as a single volume, both digitally and potentially in print through Arcadia’s library and partner institutions. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the research agenda of an international non-governmental organisation at the forefront of academic publishing, education, and art. We are looking for an individual who brings strategic insight, a passion for research, and a commitment to scholarly excellence, with the drive to make a lasting impact on the global academic and artistic community.

Key ResponsibilitiesResearch Leadership and Vision

• Take ownership of your research projects, ensuring that your work aligns with Arcadia’s commitment to intellectual innovation and scholarly excellence. As a researcher, you will independently manage your research schedule, producing insightful articles and research series that push the boundaries of academic inquiry.

Collaboration and Mentorship

• While the role involves independent research, you will be supported by Arcadia’s editorial team, collaborating with two dedicated editors who will provide guidance on refining your research. You will be expected to integrate feedback, engage in constructive dialogues, and ensure that your research is aligned with the broader objectives of the organisation.

Research Impact and Contribution

• You will contribute to Arcadia’s scholarly community by exploring underexamined areas within your field and producing research that has the potential to reshape understanding or bring attention to gaps in the literature. You will produce not only individual research articles but also an extended research series, spanning six chapters, which will be shared with the academic community through Arcadia’s platforms.

Skills and Competencies RequiredAcademic Expertise and Research Excellence

• You will have substantial experience conducting research within your field, with a deep understanding of academic methodologies, literature review practices, and scholarly writing. You must possess the ability to conduct original research, ensuring that your contributions are both methodologically robust and intellectually engaging.

Communication and Writing Skills

• You will possess strong written communication skills, with the ability to express complex ideas clearly and coherently. Your writing must meet high academic standards, ensuring that your articles are suitable for publication in scholarly journals and contribute meaningfully to ongoing academic debates.

Collaboration and Adaptability

• Although the role involves independent research, you will be part of a collaborative environment. You must demonstrate a capacity for teamwork, incorporating feedback from editors and engaging in productive dialogue to enhance the quality of your work. Additionally, your ability to adapt to evolving research themes and requirements will be key to your success.

Qualifications

• A PhD in a relevant field, with a clear and cohesive academic path from undergraduate through to postgraduate study (BA + MA), demonstrating a solid foundation in the same or closely related field of research.  
• Alternatively, a PhD student with a minimum of 3 years of research experience at a think tank, academic journal, or similar research-oriented institution or two MA holders with strong work experience in publishing, research.
• Experience in academic research, with a demonstrated ability to produce research articles and contribute to scholarly discussions. Previous publications, while not a requirement, will be highly valued.  
• Strong familiarity with academic research methods and techniques, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, citation standards, peer review processes, and ethical research practices.  
• Capacity for independent research, coupled with the ability to collaborate effectively with editorial teams to ensure academic rigour and quality in research outputs.  
• Fluency in English (CEFR C1).
• Comfortable with part-time commitment, contributing 8–10 hours (20%) per week with one month deadline for publicaiton, with availability for remote work and flexibility in selecting your own working hours.
• A motivational and empathetic team player, with a commitment to fostering inclusivity, integrity, and excellence. Strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and credibility within the organization.  

What We Offer 

• An online certificate with an international serial number after completing one year at Arcadia.
• Access to Arcadia's Executive Education Certificate Program, which includes six courses totaling 64 hours, specifically tailored for your role, with international certification.
• Access to a global network of seasoned professionals and consultants, offering tailored support to help you grow, excel, and advance in your area of expertise.
• We promise you a green world, a new feature. Join a fully net-zero carbon emission organisation committed to supporting a greener world.
• Flexible working hours based on project deadlines. You must be available to work 8-10 hours per week, with the flexibility to choose your working hours.
• The chance to be part of our volunteer organisation, contributing to Arcadia's humanitarian mission to provide education for all.
• Possibility of contract renewal with advancement at your field at the end of your 1 year according to evaluation of the Arcadia Board.
• The opportunity to work remotely, providing flexibility and the ability to balance your work with other commitments. 
• The chance to work with a diverse team of individuals from around the world, supporting the organisation's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. 
• Being credited with your name, picture and also being credited in the '' Team '' section. 
• Training sessions from our valuable and well-experienced team members.
• Being part of our volunteer-based organisation, and the satisfaction of contributing and doing good to the world.

A__rcadia is an equal opportunity provider. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard__to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability,__veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.