Research Assistant in Law and Deportation

Internal Applicants Only

Deadline: 6 February 2023

Professor Mary Bosworth is looking for one research assistant to help with legal analysis in her John Fell Funded project ‘Enforcing the Border: A Study of Immigration Removals and Transportation’.

The project aims are to better understand the so-called immigration detainee escorting contract. Tasks for the Research Assistant will be to assist Mary Bosworth in developing legal analysis around barriers to deportation. The kinds of issues that the RA will look into will include the impact of Article 8 on deportation flights (for example, when legal challenges have been successful on those grounds), and the legal framework around the Best interests of the Child as outlined in Section 55 of the Nationality and Borders Act. Additional research may be required on international comparisons and so a background in Human Rights Law will be helpful.  The student will be expected to write up their research findings in a report, and also in at least one blog post that will be posted on the Border Criminologies website

Duration and hours

Working hours: up to 130 hours across the duration of the project, to be agreed with the Supervisor.

Start date: 15 February 2023.

Date by which the work must be completed: 30 June 2023.

Reporting

The Research Assistant will report to Mary Bosworth.

Requirements

• A good understanding of human rights law and immigration and asylum law is essential.
• Experience of law referencing systems is desirable.
• A knowledge of British border control is desirable.
• Experience of research assistance is desirable.

The work can be done in any place in the UK where you have access to a good library and internet. Meetings with the PI will be held in Oxford and online. Additional meetings with partner groups in London may also be required; travel costs may be reimbursed provided they have the advance approval of the PI.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to current graduate students in the Faculty of Law and across the social science division and the hours are in line with the restrictions on working hours for students within the Law Faculty.

It is expected that the work will be undertaken in the UK. 

Rate of Pay

The work will be paid at £16.49 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 Mary Bosworth’s John Fell Fund Grant ‘Enforcing the Border: A Study of Immigration Removals and Transportation’ (Ref: BAD00200).

How to Apply

A short CV and cover letter (including the name of your supervisor) should be sent by email to mary.bosworth@crim.ox.ac.uk by February 6, 2023. 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 mary.bosworth@crim.ox.ac.uk. General queries, e.g. about the appointment process, or eligibility, may be addressed to research@law.ox.ac.uk.