Rights Lab Research Associate in Business and Public Policy (Fixed term)

The role-holder will work dynamically within the Rights Lab’s Business and Economies programme on externally-funded research projects that focus on analysing human rights and modern slavery risks for businesses, and on developing responses to those risks. The role holder will conduct primary and secondary research, synthesising a range of evidence, and contribute to the development of new approaches.   Externally, the role-holder will work with several businesses and a range of policy and civil society organisations.  

This role is part of the University’s Rights Lab. The Rights Lab is the first large-scale research platform for ending modern slavery, and home to the world’s leading modern slavery experts. Our challenge-led, team-based approach to research fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between Rights Lab researchers representing 17 different disciplines from five different university faculties. The Rights Lab works closely with stakeholders in government, civil society, business, and intergovernmental institutions to deliver practically impactful research that speaks directly to the antislavery movement and those working in the field. We are committed to ensuring our work is relevant, timely, responsive, accessible, and actionable. This is captured in our wide variety of collaborative projects and strong long-standing relationships with key players in the global and local antislavery movement(s), our curation and development of policy and practice resources (as well as academic outputs), and our responsive research agenda.  

Candidates should have a Degree (or equivalent) in a related subject area. The ability to work in a team and build relationships and collaborate with others both internally. Here are some examples of the type of expertise we are looking for, however this list is not exhaustive and exclusive:  

Previous experience in a research environment with modern slavery projects.  

Hands-on experience working with relevant stakeholders in the anti-slavery sector.  

Proven research skills with excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate and adapt writing to different audiences..  

Experience drafting materials for a business audience.  

A strong eye for detail and the ability to undertake tasks systematically and rigorous 

What we offer

A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment 

An expectation that you will be office based within the Rights Lab in Highfield House on University Park for 60% of your working week 

Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year. 

Our reward scheme grants bonuses of numerous values for excellent work 

We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities 

You will have 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 

This role is full time (36.25 hours per week) and is available from 1 August to 24 February 2026 as a fixed term contract. Job share arrangements may be considered. Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Please contact Professor Zoe Trodd (Zoe.Trodd@nottingham.ac.uk) if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted. 

Advert information