Research Associate/Fellow in Antislavery and Anti-trafficking Governance (FTC)

The role-holder will work within the Rights Lab’s Law and Policy Programme to support collaborative research projects focused on antislavery and anti-trafficking governance, focusing on both the design and implementation of legal and policy framework and the operation of justice systems. You will be expected to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team, as well as undertaking independent research. You 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.

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.  You will have a public-facing role and represent the team externally.

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. We work 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. The Rights Lab is based on University Park campus.

About you -  You will have a keen interest in collaborative, interdisciplinary research and a passion for human rights and justice issues. You will have a strong eye for detail, the ability to undertake tasks in a systematic and rigorous manner, and good time management. Candidates should have a PhD in Law or a related subject area (or close to completion), or relevant equivalent professional experience (for instance in research, advocacy, policy, or legal settings). You should have the ability to work in a team, build relationships and collaborate with others both internally/externally.

Professional competency in a second language is not required but is welcome and we encourage candidates to specify any languages in which they are able to engage at a professional, academic level.  We also welcome candidates to highlight cultural competencies and experiences working in different contexts and jurisdictions.

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;
• 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 01 October 2025 until 30 September 2026 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.

Please contact Dr Katarina Schwarz (Katarina.Schwarz@nottingham.ac.uk) for any further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Advert information