Senior Research Associate: 'The Forgotten Ten Percent' Project

Most private family law applications are between two parents, but around 10% involve one or more adults who are not the child’s parent, such as grandparents, aunts/uncles and siblings. This ‘forgotten 10%’ have been overlooked in research, policy and practice. In collaboration with researchers at the University of Bristol, peer researchers, and practice partners Kinship and Families in Harmony, this project will investigate the circumstances, needs and experiences of children and families involved. Further information on the project is available on our website (www.cfj-lancaster.org.uk/projects/forgotten-ten-percent).

Working as an integral part of the project team, and alongside another researcher based in Bristol, you will be responsible for undertaking qualitative interviews and focus groups, collecting structured data from court case files, and data analysis. You must be willing to travel within the UK, to attend meetings and other events, and to collect data.

You should be able to demonstrate a keen interest in the applied focus of the Centre, and will have a PhD in a social science discipline or equivalent experience.  Ideally you will have a research background in social work, law, social policy, or another relevant field, and experience in mixed-methods research. You will demonstrate excellent organisational and interpersonal skills and preferably have a knowledge of research ethics. You will contribute to outputs from the project, including research reports and summaries, journal articles, and conference/seminar presentations, for a variety of different audiences, including academics, policymakers, legal and social work practitioners.

The post is available at 0.8FTE. You will join us on an indefinite contract however, the role remains contingent on external funding which, at this time is due to come to an end in February 2027 pending further funding to extend. This role is subject to DBS checks.

The Centre for Child and Family Justice Research is a successful research centre with a global profile, and we are looking for an individual who wants to be an integral part of this vibrant community. Current sources of funding include the Nuffield Foundation, the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory, Economic and Social Research Council, Big Lottery, the Australian Research Council, local and national government.

If you would like further information and an opportunity to discuss the role, please contact: Dr Linda Cusworth on (l.cusworth@lancaster.ac.uk).

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