Rights Lab Research Associate/Fellow in Anti-Trafficking and Religion (Fixed-Term) (SOC277125)

Karlstad University; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in the UK is seeking a Rights Lab Research Associate/Fellow in Anti-Trafficking and Religion. This fixed-term role, beginning January 2026, involves conducting research and contributing to innovative methodologies. Candidates should hold a PhD or be nearing completion. A supportive and diverse work environment is offered, along with training and career progression opportunities. The project focuses on the intersection of religion and anti-trafficking efforts globally, making it vital for researchers passionate about social justice.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days annually

Access to fitness and health facilities

University reward scheme and bonuses

Responsibilities

• Conduct primary and secondary research.
• Contribute to the development of new methodologies.
• Identify areas for research and develop research methods.

Skills

Strong qualitative research and analysis skills

Skills in philosophical and/or theological inquiry

Ability to foster a collaborative, team-based research culture

Experience with analysing legislation and/or policy

Education

PhD in a relevant field or close to completion

Job description

Rights Lab Research Associate/Fellow in Anti-Trafficking and Religion (Fixed-Term) (SOC277125)

The Rights Lab at the University of Nottingham is seeking a team member to join a large project that is analysing the role of religion and faith in anti-trafficking and anti-slavery work globally today. By researching theological approaches, worldviews and motivations, we aim to achieve a fuller understanding of belief systems in anti-trafficking/anti-slavery work and how these shape anti-trafficking/anti-slavery strategies and approaches, including in the area of legislation and policy. The project is opening new pathways to understanding the anti-trafficking landscape of belief, mapping the basis for anti-trafficking actions, and analysing how religion informs action against human trafficking and modern slavery.

The team includes other postdoctoral research fellows and is conducting surveys, interviews and focus groups, analysing a wide range of documents, examining religious texts and analysing legislation. As well as being embedded in the project team, with mentorship from the PI, the role-holder will be part of the Rights Lab’s ECR community, have access to stakeholder sessions and training and development, and join one of the Lab’s four main research programmes.

The role-holder will have the opportunity to use their initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop research methods and extend their research portfolio. This work is international in scope and covers a wide range of different substantive issues and contexts.

This is a full-time role, available as a fixed-term post commencing from January 2026 (date to be negotiated) and ending April 30, 2027, with potential for continuation.

Our University is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We warmly welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. We welcome applications from UK, Europe and from across the globe. For more information on the support we offer our international colleagues, see our Moving to Nottingham pages.

The Rights Lab is based on University Park campus. Part of the University since 1929, the campus is 300 acres and is widely regarded as one of the largest and most attractive in the country. The campus is conveniently located only two miles from the city centre: Nottingham is an eclectic, friendly and diverse city with an award-winning transport system and direct trains to London (90 mins).

For successful international applicants, we provide financial support for your visa and the immigration health surcharge, plus an interest-free loan to help cover the cost of immigration-related expenses for any dependents accompanying you to the UK. For more information please see the webpage on Financial support for visas and the immigration health surcharge.

About the role:

The role-holder will conduct primary and secondary research and contribute to the development of new approaches, methodologies, and techniques appropriate to the research. The role-holder will have the opportunity to use their initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop research methods and extend their research portfolio.

About the team:

This role is based in the University of Nottingham’s Rights Lab. The Rights Lab is the world’s largest, leading group of modern slavery researchers. Our challenge-led, team-based approach to research fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. We are committed to ensuring our work is relevant, timely, responsive, accessible, and actionable. The team for this specific project combines colleagues with qualitative and quantitative expertise, from disciplines that include politics, sociology, law, and area studies.

About you:

Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field or be close to completion.

Here are some examples of the expertise we are seeking; however, this list is not exhaustive:

• Strong qualitative research and analysis skills.
• Skills in philosophical and/or theological inquiry.
• Ability to foster a collaborative, team-based research culture.
• Experience with analysing legislation and/or policy.

What we offer:

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment;
• A vibrant on-campus research environment, supported by expectations that our team is based within the Rights Lab and dedicated Leverhulme Centre space in Highfield House on University Park for at least 60% of the working week (e.g. minimum three days for full time roles) and university expectations of residence within an hour’s travel time;
• Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days annually (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days, including closure between Christmas and New Year;
• A University reward scheme that grants bonuses of numerous values for excellent work;
• A commitment to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities;
• Access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to our benefits website.

What next:

This role is 36.25 hpw and is available from January 2026 to April 2027 as a fixed term contract.

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details and upload a copy of your CV and publication list.

Please contact Professor Zoe Trodd ([e-mail]) if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 05 Jan 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)

Job details

Title

Rights Lab Research Associate/Fellow in Anti-Trafficking and Religion (Fixed-Term) (SOC277125)

2026-01-05 23:59 (Europe/London)
2026-01-06 00:59 (CET)

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