Research Assistant in Administrative Law

Internal Applicants Only

Deadline: 31 May 2024

Dr Joanna Bell is looking for a research assistant to help with a project on the Illegal Migration Act 2023 as well as possibly the Nationality and Borders Act 2022.

The project aims are to explore the impact the legislation is likely to have on common types of judicial review challenge and statutory appeals to tribunals, including but not limited to challenges to immigration detention and age assessments.

The main task of the research assistant will be to assist with the provision of research around the main provisions in the Act. In particular, Dr Bell will identify a number of provisions and seek assistance with gathering information on two matters. Firstly, understanding the nature of the changes the Act will bring about to the relevant compartments of the law before the Act's passage. This aspect of the research will primarily involve working with textbooks and case law (to understand the pre-2023 law) and legislation and policy (to understand the post-2023 law). Secondly, exploring the nature of debates which have taken place about the legitimacy/desirability of the changes. This part of the project will involve working primarily with Parliamentary materials (especially Hansard), but also some commentary where it is available. The research assistant will be expected to feedback their findings through compiling summary reports and attending meetings (which could take place online if necessary).

Duration and hours

Working hours: a total of up to 95 hours across the duration of the project, to be agreed with the project supervisor.

Start date: 7th June 2024

Date by which the work must be completed: 1st August 2024

Reporting

The Research Assistant will report to Dr Joanna Bell.

Requirements

• A good understanding of the field of administrative law in England and Wales is essential
• Experience of the legal systems in the following countries is essential: England and Wales
• Experience of working with Hansard is highly desirable.
• A knowledge  of immigration law 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 Faculty of Law.

Rate of Pay

The work will be paid at £17.03 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 KFD00130-BA01.01.

How to Apply

A short CV and cover letter (including the name of your supervisor) should be sent by email to joanna.bell@law.ox.ac.uk by the Friday 31st May. Please explain how you meet the requirements for the role, and give details of your availability. Supervisors may be asked for a reference. 

Enquiries about the project are welcome, and may be addressed to joanna.bell@law.ox.ac.uk. General queries, e.g. about the appointment process, or eligibility, may be addressed to research@law.ox.ac.uk.