Research Assistant for the project on Migration, Technology and Dispute Resolution in Africa
Deadline for applications: 17 July 2026
Professor Nicole Stremlau is looking for a research assistant to help with research, data analysis and preparing a grant application on how migrant communities in Africa find justice beyond formal state institutions.
Professor Stremlau has been engaged in long-term research around how different migrant communities use technology to access justice back ‘home’. The focus has been on the transnational dimensions of customary institutions and the relationship to the South African state. Extensive field research has been carried out in South Africa, with additional field research in Ethiopia and Somalia. We are currently planning to extend this to Nigeria and the UK. Stremlau is looking for a Research Assistant to help with finalizing publications, contributing background research to a book project, and preparing a grant application to further develop this research project.
Tasks for the Research Assistant will be:
- Writing support including preparing literature reviews and supporting the preparation and drafting of a grant application for further research.
- Editorial support including proofreading and referencing of articles.
- Supporting data analysis
Duration and hours
Working hours: a total of up to 160 hours across the duration of the project, to be agreed with the project supervisor.
Start date: 27 July 2026
Date by which the work must be completed: 31 October 2026
Reporting
The Research Assistant will report to Nicole Stremlau.
Requirement
- Strong writing and editing abilities are essential.
- A background, or current study in a field related to socio-legal studies, migration studies, internet/media studies, or African studies is desirable.
- Experience of qualitative research and data analysis is desirable.
Your normal place of work will be the St Cross Building or the Manor Road Building, Manor Road. However, provided you have the agreement of your PI/Supervisor, and a suitable space to work (including library access if required), it may be possible to undertake the work remotely.
In all cases the work must be undertaken in the UK.
Please note that you will be required to complete a Right to Work check before starting work. The Law Faculty HR Team will contact you directly to arrange for the appropriate check to take place. What is a right to work check? | Staff Immigration (ox.ac.uk)
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to current graduate students in the University of Oxford’s Social Science Division.
Rate of Pay
The work will be paid at £18.80 per hour, which equates to University Grade 6, point 1, on the basis of completed and approved timesheets, which must be submitted to payroll@law.ox.ac.uk by the last Friday of each calendar month for payment on the last working day of the following month.
In addition, paid annual leave will be assumed to be taken in the month in which it was accrued.
Funding
This opportunity is funded by a SSD Mid-Career Researcher Incentives Pilot award.
Funding reference number: C0D00200.BA00.01
How to Apply
A short CV and cover letter (including the name of your supervisor) should be sent by email to Nicole Stremlau (Nicole.stremlau@csls.ox.ac.uk) before the deadline for applications. Please explain how you meet the requirements for the role, and give details of your availability. Supervisors may be asked for a reference. Please put MCR RA as the subject line.
Enquiries about the project are welcome, and may be addressed to the above email. General queries, e.g. about the appointment process, or eligibility, may be addressed to research@law.ox.ac.uk.
Guidelines for Faculty members, line managers and students Work must not commence without a letter of engagement or variable hours contract and a right to work check having been carried out by the Faculty Personnel Officer. Graduate student engagement opportunities in the Faculty of Law usually fall into one of three categories: Research Assistant; Graduate Teaching Assistant; or Blog Editor. The University guidance on paid work for Oxford graduate students recommends that full-time graduate research students ensure that any paid work should still allow them to spend at least 40 hours per week for a minimum 44 weeks of the year on their studies. Full-time graduate taught students are recommended not to undertake more than 8 hours’ paid work each week during term-time study periods. There are additional rules for students with visas wishing to undertake paid work. Students may not work for their own supervisor without the approval of the Associate Dean for Graduate Students. Any queries regarding the eligibility of a particular student should be directed to Graduate Studies Officer in the Faculty Office. |