Research Associate/Fellow in Reproductive Rights and Anti-Trafficking (Part-Time, FTC)

We are inviting applications for a Research Associate/Fellow in the Rights Lab.  The appointment is being made in relation to the Wellcome Trust funded project “A Reproductive Justice Framework for Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Research and Practice”. 

The study seeks to understand the nexus between human trafficking and reproductive justice from theoretical, law and policy, practice, and survivor perspectives. The study focuses on stakeholder and survivor engagement in focus countries: the UK, South Africa, and Kenya. 

The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining systematic evidence review, law and policy analysis, secondary data analysis, key informant interviews and participatory Photovoice and Q Study workshops.  

The role holder will work with the Project Lead, Dr Lauren Eglen, and other members of the research team. The successful applicant will be responsible for conducting scoping reviews of existing evidence (academic and grey literature) on SRHR and reproductive exploitation, violence, coercion and abuse as they intersect with human trafficking, identifying and analysing first-hand accounts of human trafficking and reproductive exploitation. 

About the team:

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. 

About you:  

Should have a PhD (or working towards) in related subject area and/or a track record of equivalent relevant research experience. Here are some examples of the type of expertise we are looking for; however, this list is not exhaustive and exclusive:   

Experience and/or training in undertaking systematic and scoping reviews. 

The ability to analyse and illuminate data, interpret reports, evaluate and criticise texts and bring new insights to research area.   

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

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; 

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 offered at 0.4FTE and is available from January 2026 (date negotiable) as a fixed term contract for 6 months.     

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

Please contact Dr Lauren Eglen (lauren.eglen2@nottingham.ac.uk) for informal enquirers. Applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted. 

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