Postdoctoral Researcher

Please note this is a readvertisement and previous applicants need not apply.

The COVID pandemic has led to the rapid development of a number of COVID vaccines. In turn this has led to the proliferation of no-fault compensation schemes to provide redress in the event of an adverse event due to a COVID vaccine. Phase I of the No-Fault Compensation (NFC) Project has focussed on categorising all known worldwide COVID NFCS (138 were found).  This project is currently in phase II. This phase focusses on evaluating how these NFCS are actually performing by collecting key performance metrics from a 20+ schemes. Phase I was focussed solely on the NFCS itself. In contrast Phase II is a more complex task, which requires careful consideration not just of the NFCS but also of the wider social context in which they are operating, for example do long-established schemes have a greater level of claiming than newer schemes? Does the option to litigate impact on NFCS update? As we move forward to phase III (in March 2024) we will consider how NFCS impact on society move widely, particularly looking at vaccine hesitancy and scepticism.    

 Reporting to the Principal Investigator. The post holder is a member of a research group with responsibility for planning and carrying out research, particularly on vaccine hesitancy and vaccine scepticism.

The successful candidate should manage their own academic research and administrative activities. This involves taking on aspects of the project independently and associated small scale project management, and co-ordinate multiple aspects of work (both the project holder’s own and the PI’s) to meet deadlines; adapt existing and develop new research methodologies to confirm or refute theories, and identify suitable alternatives where information or research material is restricted; prepare working theories and analyse qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining theories as appropriate; gather, analyse, and present qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources, in particular statutory frameworks and other rules governing covid vaccine no-fault compensation schemes and contribute to project planning, including ideas for the next phase of this research project as well as new research projects.

Applicants should hold a relevant PhD/DPhil, together with relevant experience; possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes; ability  to manage own academic research and associated activities; previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations and the ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation.

This post is full time and fixed term until 28 February 2025.  The postholder will be based at the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, Manor Road, Manor Road Building, OX1 3UQ

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

Closing date for applications is midday on Monday 18 March 2024.  Interviews will take place week commencing 8 April 2024.