Research Fellow in Ethics of Decarceration

Location: Suite 1 Littlegate House, 16-17 St Ebbe’s Street

The Uehiro Oxford Institute and Oxford Martin School invite applications for a Research Fellow to work as part of the Oxford Martin Programme on Decarceration, researching ethical and human rights issues pertaining to the reduction of prison populations. The Fellow will be based in the Uehiro Oxford Institute, will be made a Fellow of the Oxford Martin School, and will work under the supervision of Professor Tom Douglas, Co-Investigator on the Programme. This two-year post would be suitable for individuals who have a doctorate in moral philosophy, criminal justice ethics, public health ethics, legal theory, or human rights law, or who expect to have completed such a doctorate by 1 January 2026. 

The Uehiro Oxford Institute 

Based in Littlegate House, the Uehiro Oxford Institute was established in 2024 through a generous benefaction from the Uehiro Foundation on Ethics and Education. The Uehiro Oxford Institute aims to advance well-being and global harmony by fostering world-leading research on the most important ethical questions, and by research-led assistance in ethical decision-making outside the Institute. For more information, please visit www.uehiro.ox.ac.uk. 

The Oxford Martin School

The Oxford Martin School hosts a community of more than 200 researchers, from Oxford and beyond, working to address the most pressing global challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The School was founded with the belief that this century, and specifically the next few decades, is a crucial turning point for humanity. The sheer speed of change means that we now have the power to destroy possibilities for future generations. Equally, we have the potential to dramatically improve the wellbeing of people across the planet.

It is this combination of urgency and optimism that characterises all our work at the Oxford Martin School. For more information please visit www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk. 

What We Offer 

Working at the University of Oxford offers several benefits, such as:  

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays)
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave  
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle  
• An excellent contributory pension scheme  
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, 
• discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans   
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs   

About You  

• Hold a PhD/DPhil, or have completed one by 1 January 2026
• Have a keen interest in this specific area of research
• Are able to analyse philosophical and/or legal arguments and literature
• Are able to manage your own academic research and associated activities
• Possess excellent communication skills, including the ability to write articles that can be published, present data at conferences, and represent the research group at meetings 
• Possess the ability to quickly learn new skills and to work independently and proactively to problem solve 
• Are able to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation

Application Process   

To apply, please upload:   

• A covering letter/supporting statement (maximum 3 pages)  
• Your CV    

References will be required at a later stage in the recruitment process and candidates may be asked to submit a max. 8,000 word writing sample at short notice.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 17 October 2025. It is expected that interviews will take place during the week commencing 3 November 2025.

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