Area
Social Sciences
Location
University Park
Salary
£31,387 to £46,485 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £34866 with relevant PhD). Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.
Closing Date
Wednesday 29 October 2025
Reference
SOC244425
We are inviting applications for a Research Associate/Fellow in the Rights Lab, University of Nottingham. 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. This includes investigation into if and how forms of reproductive exploitation, violence, coercion and abuse are occurring in human trafficking contexts, and analysis of the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs and outcomes of survivors. Analysis will include consideration for how interlocking systems of oppression and intersecting social identities shape individual experiences and access to SRHR, towards developing a reproductive justice framework for anti-trafficking research and practice. 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, as well as identifying and analysing first-hand accounts of human trafficking and reproductive exploitation. They will analyse qualitative data and contribute to published outcomes, including peer-reviewed publications. Further tasks may be identified and assigned in line with the role-holder's experience and skills, as well as project need.
The role holder will have the opportunity to use their initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop research methods and extend their research portfolio within the broad thematic area of anti-trafficking and gender justice. They 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. Our challenge-led, team-based approach to research fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between Rights Lab researchers representing 17 different disciplines from five different university faculties. The Rights Lab works 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. We are committed to ensuring our work is relevant, timely, responsive, accessible, and actionable. This is captured in our wide variety of collaborative projects and strong long-standing relationships with key players in the global and local antislavery movement(s), our curation and development of policy and practice resources (as well as academic outputs), and our responsive research agenda.
The Rights Lab is based on University Park campus. Part of the University since 1929, the campus is 300 acres and is widely regarded as one of the largest and most attractive in the country. The campus is conveniently located only two miles from the city centre: Nottingham is an eclectic, friendly and diverse city with an award-winning transport system and direct trains to London (90 mins).
About you:
Candidates should have a PhD (or working towards) in a related subject area and/or a track record of equivalent relevant research experience. They should have the ability to work in a team and build relationships and collaborate with others. 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.
Contribute to writing up research findings for publication.
A strong eye for detail and the ability to undertake tasks systematically and rigorously
Co-ordinate the operational aspect of research networks, for example, arranging meetings and updating websites etc and contribute to collaborative decision making with colleagues in area of research
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' to complete your details and upload a copy f your CV and Cover Letter.
Please contact Dr Lauren Eglen ) if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.