Senior Research Associate - the ‘forgotten ten percent’ research project

Lancaster University Law School is seeking to appoint a Senior Research Associate, to work on ‘The forgotten 10%’: private family law applications involving non-parents project, funded by the Nuffield Foundation (Principal Investigator: Dr Linda Cusworth). Based in the Centre for Child and Family Justice Research, we are looking to appoint a mixed-methods social researcher with an interest in children’s social care and/or family justice. A parallel post is also being advertised at University of Bristol (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/jobs/).

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 (https://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 review literature, design data collection materials, undertake qualitative interviews and focus groups, and collect structured data from court case files. You must be willing to travel within the UK to collect data, and to attend meetings and other events.

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 position will bring opportunities for the role holder to expand and enhance their research skills and knowledge.

The post is available at 0.8FTE from 1 May 2025.  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 on 31 December 2026. This role is subject to enhanced 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. Whilst this is a fixed-term position, we anticipate achieving further funding to enable continuation of the post.

Lancaster University Law School is recognized as one of the leading law schools in the United Kingdom, with over 88% of our research rated as outstanding and ranked 6th in REF2021 for research impact. Our research addresses doctrinal, theoretical and interdisciplinary research themes (https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/law/).

Lancaster University is highly ranked and research-led and situated near the historic city of Lancaster. The North West of England offers high standards of living, beautiful countryside, including the Lake District, and excellent national and international transport connectivity. Jobs - Lancaster University

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

Closing Date: 23 Apr 2025

Department: Research

Salary: £39,355 to £45,413 (Part time, indefinite with end date)