Research Fellow in European Law and Institutions

Overview

The Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law, a constituent part of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL), is seeking a skilled and motivated Research Fellow to contribute to a strategic programme exploring the relationship between the rule of law and human rights standards and the evolving legal and institutional challenges in Europe.

The Research Fellow will contribute to projects relating to the European Union, the Council of Europe, and other regional European institutions, with particular attention to their development and use of legal frameworks and processes that affect the rule of law, human rights, and effective governance, including actions in support of democracy and regional security.

The position forms part of the Maurice Wohl Fellowship in European Law, funded by the Vivmar Foundation. The programme of work involves research, analysis, stakeholder engagement, and assistance with organising events and training in the areas outlined above. 

The main responsibilities of the role include:

Legal and policy research

• Undertake high quality legal and policy research on topics related to the rule of law, human rights and European institutions.
• Monitor and analyse developments within the European Union, the Council of Europe, and other relevant regional organisations.
• Contribute to comparative and interdisciplinary research projects addressing contemporary legal and governance challenges in Europe.
• Support the development of new research projects and funding proposals within the European law cluster co-ordinated by the Maurice Wohl Senior Fellow in European Law.

Research outputs and communication

• Produce high-quality research papers, legal analyses, blog posts, briefings and consultation reports,
• Contribute to academic publications and collaborative research reports within BIICL and with external partners.
• Assist with the public communication of these outputs to policymakers, practitioners, academics, and wider audiences.

Engagement, events and training

• Engage with a range of stakeholders, including policymakers, EU institutions, civil society organisations, legal practitioners, and security experts. This engagement will combine online and in-person interactions and includes, but is not limited to, events and training.
• Contribute, through this engagement, to the development and expansion of BIICL’s European law network and partnerships.
• Assist with the organisation of events, including public events and private events such as roundtables and policy dialogues.
• Contribute to the preparation and delivery of training on European law topics for the BIICL Training programme.

Person Specification

The successful applicant will demonstrate the following experience, skills and attributes:

Essential

• A degree in law
• Demonstrated ability to conduct legal and policy research independently
• Strong knowledge of European law and institutions, including the European Union and/or the Council of Europe, and good understanding of the rule of law as a practical concept
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience writing for policy, legal or academic audiences
• Ability to analyse complex legal and institutional developments and communicate findings clearly
• Ability to engage sensitively with stakeholders
• Excellent organisational skills, ability to work collaboratively within a research team, and ability to meet deadlines

How to apply

The application deadline is Sunday, 20 September at 23.59 BST.

Interviews are expected to take place in late September or early October 2026. We are looking to appoint as soon as possible.

To apply, please click on the apply button where you can submit your application via our recruitment portal.

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