Rights Lab Research Associate/Fellow in Law and Secondary Data Analysis (Part-Time, Fixed-Term)[...]

University of Nottingham; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a First Stage Researcher for a part-time role within its Rights Lab, focusing on research around human trafficking among migrants at the US-Mexico border. Responsibilities include conducting independent research, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team, and contributing to academic publications. The role offers a flexible working environment, generous holiday entitlement, and a commitment to impactful interdisciplinary research.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Supportive working environment

Vibrant on-campus research opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience conducting research on human trafficking.
• Ability to work in a collaborative research environment.
• Competence in writing for both academic and policy domains.

Responsibilities

• Support the Rights Lab research project on human trafficking.
• Conduct independent research and write up findings.
• Represent the project team in public-facing roles.

Skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Independent research

Creative problem-solving

Experience in anti-trafficking research

Writing and publication skills

Education

Relevant degree (Masters or higher)

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Nottingham Research Field Juridical sciences » Criminal law Juridical sciences » Public law Juridical sciences » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 19 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

About the role - The role-holder will work collaboratively to support this Rights Lab research project.

The role holder will be expected to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team, as well as undertaking independent research on the topic of risk of human trafficking among migrants along the US-Mexico border. They will use approaches, methodologies, and techniques appropriate to the study, in accordance with the study methodology. Specific tasks will be identified and assigned in line with the role-holder’s expertise and skills, as well as project need, and are expected to include:

The role-holder will also be responsible for writing up their work in order to contribute to published outcomes, including both policy- and practitioner-focused outputs and academic publications.

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 within the broad thematic area of anti-trafficking and justice systems. They will have a public-facing role and represent the team externally.

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, law, and geography.

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 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;

What next- This role is 7.25 hpw (one day per week) and is available as a fixed term contract until 01/02/2027, with the possibility for extension.

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

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