Research Fellow (Fixed-Term)

Bournemouth University’s vision is worldwide recognition as a leading university for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society through the fusion of education, research and practice. Our highly skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the globe, who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives and experiences that help to build our global learning community. The Department of Humanities & Law at Bournemouth University is seeking to recruit an exceptional researcher with international migration law and/or law of the sea expertise to contribute to the policy development of the research project ‘Mass Grave Protection, Investigation & Engagement - a comprehensive universal human rights framework’ (MaGPIE). MaGPIE is a five-year project. It was selected by the European Research Council (ERC) for funding to foster world-leading, pioneering research to develop a human rights framework around mass graves. Under the direction of project lead Professor Melanie Klinkner and Dr Ellie Smith, the candidate will conduct research and analysis for policy development on how to protect, investigate and engage with (1) mass graves due to land migration and trafficking, and (2) mass graves at sea. The post holder will be part of a larger research team working towards the successful delivery of MaGPIE. We are looking for a proactive, self-motivated individual with excellent communication skills, problem solving abilities, attention to detail, effective team-working skills and experience in stakeholder liaison. You will hold a PhD in a relevant branch of international law (or similar) and have extensive experience in research with an eye towards policy development. An interest in mass graves is a prerequisite, and an understanding of the legal and stakeholder landscape surrounding mass graves would be beneficial. In addition to its expertise in mass graves and human rights, the Department houses the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy & Management (CIPPM), which is recognised as a global leader in IP scholarship and practice and has a growing body of PhD students. The Department itself has a unique position as part of the Faculty of Media and Communication which is one of the largest of its kind in the world and has a global reputation for combining research in the creative industries together with teaching and professional practice. Our campus is nestled between the idyllic New Forest and the golden sandy beaches of Bournemouth and Poole with the World Heritage Site, Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, close by. This position is available on a fixed-term basis for 3 ½ years. For further information and discussion please contact Professor Melanie Klinkner, Project Lead for MaGPIE by email at mklinkner@bournemouth.ac.uk. BU values and is committed to an inclusive working environment.  We seek a diverse community through attracting, developing and retaining staff from different backgrounds to contribute to inspirational learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society.  To support and enable our staff to achieve a balance between work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.