Area
Social Sciences
Location
University Park
Salary
£32,080 to £35,608 per annum pro-rata depending on skills and experience.
Closing Date
Monday 17 August 2026
Reference
SCI591326
We are inviting applications for a Research Fellow in the Rights Lab, on an externally funded research project funded by Wellcome Trust and working with the Project Lead, Dr Lauren Eglen and other members of the team. The Rights Lab is the first large-scale research platform for ending modern slavery, and home to the world’s leading modern slavery experts, and is based on University Park campus.
We are looking for someone who is committed to meaningful engagement with lived experience and alternative epistemologies towards the co-production of knowledge in anti-trafficking research. Using a reproductive justice theoretical framework that is grounded in intersectional feminist theory, and is committed to praxis, the project analyses the nexus between human trafficking and sexual and reproductive issues. With project partners and those with lived experience of exploitation in South Africa, Kenya, and the UK, this study explores how people understand and apply reproductive justice in different contexts, and how it might be employed in anti-trafficking work. This includes investigation into if and how forms of reproductive exploitation, violence, and abuse occur in trafficking contexts and their impacts on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
About you-
- Have a PhD (or equivalent) in a related subject area.
- Have the ability to work in a team, build relationships and collaborate with others.
- Conduct research using recognised approaches, methodologies and techniques within the research area and support the development of research objectives.
- Analyse and illuminate data, interpret reports, evaluate and criticise texts and bring new insights to the research area.
- Have 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 your spend at least 60% of your working week in person based in Highfield House 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;
- 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 on a full-time basis 36.25 hpw and is available from February 2027 (start date may be negotiated) as a fixed term contract for 18 months. Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details.
Please contact Dr Lauren Eglen ([email protected]) if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.
