Postdoctoral Researcher (Phase 2)

TN United Kingdom; Oxford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Postdoctoral Researcher to join a transformative project focused on trauma-informed justice. This role involves in-depth research into specialty courts and the treatment of victims of sexual violence. The successful candidate will engage in data collection, analysis, and co-authoring significant findings, contributing to meaningful change in the legal system. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with victim-survivors and government stakeholders, providing a unique chance to impact the future of justice in the UK. If you are passionate about socio-legal studies and have a strong academic background, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in empirical research, especially in sensitive areas.
• Ability to manage academic research and associated activities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct data collection and analysis for the English Case Study.
• Co-author reports and journal articles on findings.

Skills

Empirical Research

Communication Skills

Report Writing

Understanding of Trauma

Education

PhD/DPhil in a relevant field

Job description

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Postdoctoral Researcher (Phase 2), Oxford

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Client:

University of Oxford

Location:

Oxford, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

6658a2862753

Job Views:

4

Posted:

02.05.2025

Expiry Date:

16.06.2025

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Job Description:

Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, Manor Road Building, Oxford, OX1 3UQ Reporting to Dr Natalie Kyneswood, the post holder will be based at the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies as a Postdoctoral Researcher during Phase II of the Wellcome funded project: ‘Care in the Courtroom: Trauma-informed Specialist Courts and the Medicalisation of Justice’. This five-year, interdisciplinary project explores the role of trauma informed care and neuroscience in transforming trial procedures, courtroom environments, and the treatment, questioning and wellbeing of victims of sexual violence. It will do so through in-depth, empirical case studies examining the emergence of specialty courts and trauma-informed justice in the UK. Throughout the project, the team will work closely with victim-survivors and UK government to evaluate the pilot of Specialist Sexual Violence Support (SSVS) project courts in England and the creation of a trauma-informed Sex Offence Court for Scotland.The Postdoctoral Researcher will contribute to research activities and outputs during Phase II of the project - the English Case Study investigating SSVS pilot project courts. This includes data collection, including court observation and participants interviews, coding and analysis of data, the development of project findings, the co-creation of a report on Phase II findings and co-authorship of a journal article on SSVS courts. The postholder will be responsible for researching the provision of ‘enhanced support measures’ at one of two SSVS project court sites that form part of the case study, namely Snaresbrook Crown Court (London). It is therefore essential that post holder is ordinarily based in London, or at least resident in London during the duration of the fieldwork, so that they can travel to Snaresbrook Crown Court (to attend and observe court hearings) and surrounding areas (North London and East London) to interview victim-survivors who have relevant experience of SSVS court processes. Travel expenses will be reimbursed but accommodation costs are not provided. The successful candidate should hold or be close to completion of a relevant PhD/DPhil, together with relevant experience; possess sufficient specialist knowledge in Socio-Legal Studies, Law of Evidence, Psychology or Psychiatry to carry out the research required; manage their own academic research and associated activities; demonstrate previous experience of contributing to report writing, scholarly publications and presentations at conferences, meetings, or research dissemination events; have experience of conducting empirical research, especially in sensitive research areas and with vulnerable participants; command excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication and present research proposals and results to a range of audiences, e.g., academics, stakeholders and policy makers. Experience of working with victim-survivors of sexual abuse in a professional, voluntary or academic capacity and an understanding of the neurobiology of trauma and trauma-informed approaches to care in medical or criminal justice settings is desirable.This post is full time and fixed term for 12 months from 1 October 2025 until 30 September 2026. The postholder will be based at the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, Manor Road, Manor Road Building, OX1 3UQ and will be required to be in the office for a minimum of 3 days a week during term time and when not undertaking fieldwork activities.