Research Officer (Comparative Law)

1000scholars; Oxford; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Department of International Development (ODID) at Oxford University seeks a Research Officer to join the ERC-funded project Choosing Islamic Conservatism: Muslim Youth in Europe and the UK. The post is based at Queen Elizabeth House, Oxford, and reports to Professor Masooda Bano.

The role involves building a European Muslim Observatory—Comparative Research Infrastructure—and contributing to a lasting database documenting Islam and Muslim institutions in Europe, with impact on research,

Qualifications

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Comparative Law, European Law, Public Law, or a closely related discipline.
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills; ability to analyse complex legal and constitutional materials.

Responsibilities

• Join the founding research team responsible for designing, developing and implementing the European Muslim Observatory infrastructure.
• Contribute to documenting the institutional development of Islam and Muslim communities in Europe across legal, political and constitutional contexts.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical skills

Critical thinking

Policy analysis

Education

Master's degree in Comparative Law / European Law / Public Law

Job description

Location: Queen Elizabeth House, 3 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TB

Role

The Oxford Department of International Development (ODID) is seeking to recruit a Research Officer. Reporting to Professor Masooda Bano, the post-holder will join a research team funded by a European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant, Choosing Islamic Conservatism: Muslim Youth in Europe and the UK and the Question of Social Cohesion. Building on the earlier phases of the project, the team is now establishing the European Muslim Observatory: Comparative Research Infrastructure on Muslim Institutional Development in Europe.

The Observatory aims to develop the first systematic comparative research infrastructure documenting the institutional development of Islam and Muslim communities across Europe. It will bring together legal, political, institutional and religious data to examine how Muslim institutions evolve in interaction with constitutional frameworks, state institutions and wider society, creating a lasting research resource for comparative scholarship on Islam in Europe.

The Observatory aims to establish a lasting comparative database that will support future academic research, policy engagement and international collaboration beyond the lifetime of the current ERC grant. Successful applicants will become part of the founding research team responsible for designing, developing and implementing this new research infrastructure.

This post is offered full-time for 18 months.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Comparative Law, European Law, Public Law, or a closely related discipline. They will also possess excellent legal research and analytical skills. The ability to analyse complex legal and constitutional materials is essential to this role.

Equality and Inclusion

At ODID we embrace and cherish our differences, and endeavour to be considerate and welcoming of all. You are most welcome at ODID, without the need to hide any part of who you are. We acknowledge societal inequalities and how these affect us, and those around us, personally and professionally. We hold an Athena Swan bronze award in recognition of our efforts to introduce organisational and cultural changes which promote equality, cherish diversity and create a better working environment for all. We are also taking active steps to promote race equality and reduce the risk of bias and discrimination. We work together to enrich, fortify and grow our community and dedicate our combined efforts to teaching and research to increase our impact and influence in development debates at the national and global level. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply for our vacancies and join us in pursuing our goals.

Application Deadline

Only applications received before 12 midday on Wednesday, 11 November 2026 can be considered.

Closing Date & Time

Closing Date & Time: 11-Nov-2026 12:00

Contact

Contact Email: [e-mail]

Salary

£39,424 to £47,779. Research Grade 7