Postdoctoral Researcher for HuRiEE project

Reporting to the Principal Investigator of the HuRiEE project, Dr Agnieszka Kubal, the post holder will be a member of the research team with primary responsibility for producing an integrated analysis of the project's qualitative and quantitative data. The role will involve contribution to the development of mixed-methods analytical strategies, syntesize findings based on data collected in earlier project phases, producing high-quality publications in leading socio-legal (or related disciplinary) journals, dissemination of publications at conferences and seminars, and actively developing ideas for generating research income and follow up projects. 

The successful candidate will integrate and analyse qualitative and quantitative data collected in previous project phases and contribute to at least two high-quality publications in leading socio-legal (or related disciplinary) journals, authoring and co-authoring additional research papers. They will prepare working theories and analyse qualitative and quantitative data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining theories as appropriate; fully participate in HuRiEE project activities in collaboration with other team members; contribute to ideas for new research projects and develop ideas for generating research income and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers. 

Candidates should hold or be close to completion of a relevant PhD/DPhil in socio-legal studies, political science, sociology, human rights, or a related field together with relevant experience; experience in managing large-scale data collection projects and working with external research partners; a strong track record (or potential) of publishing in high-quality journals and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes.

HuRiEE treats human rights mobilisation as a window into the broader societies. It asks: How does claims-making before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) shape the lives of individuals and the development of societies in Eastern Europe and Russia? The ultimate ambition for this project is to develop a brand-new theory of the relationship between human rights mobilisation, ECtHR's legitimacy, and the development of societies under the conditions of 'abusive constitutionalism' (Russia), open military conflict (Ukraine), deep transformations (Romania) and democratic backsliding (Hungary) and transition to rule-of-law (Poland). 

This post is full time and fixed term until 31 March 2028. The postholder will be based at the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, Manor Road, Manor Road Building, OX1 3UQ and will be required to be in the office for a minimum of 3 days a week during term time.

You will be required to submit a covering letter and CV as part of your application.

Closing date for applications is midday on Monday 7 September 2026.  Interviews will take place week commencing 14 September 2026

Candidates should submit by email 1 item of written work, published or unpublished. The work should be sent in a single email in one pdf file to the Faculty HR Team, [email protected] by midday on Monday 7 September 2026

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to arrange for two references to be submitted before the interviews take place.