Most private family law applications are between two parents, but around 10% involve one or more adults who are not the child’s parent, such as grandparents, aunts/uncles and siblings. This ‘forgotten 10%’ have been overlooked in research, policy and practice. In collaboration with researchers at the University of Bristol, peer researchers, and practice partners Kinship and Families in Harmony, this project will investigate the circumstances, needs and experiences of children and families involved. Further information on the project is available on our website (https://www.cfj-lancaster.org.uk/projects/forgotten-ten-percent).

Working as an integral part of the project team, and alongside another researcher based in Bristol, you will be responsible for undertaking qualitative interviews and focus groups, collecting structured data from court case files, and data analysis. You must be willing to travel within the UK, to attend meetings and other events, and to collect data.

You should be able to demonstrate a keen interest in the applied focus of the Centre, and will have a PhD in a social science discipline or equivalent experience.  Ideally you will have a research background in social work, law, social policy, or another relevant field, and experience in mixed-methods research. You will demonstrate excellent organisational and interpersonal skills and preferably have a knowledge of research ethics. You will contribute to outputs from the project, including research reports and summaries, journal articles, and conference/seminar presentations, for a variety of different audiences, including academics, policymakers, legal and social work practitioners.

The post is available at 0.8FTE. You will join us on an indefinite contract however, the role remains contingent on external funding which, at this time is due to come to an end in February 2027 pending further funding to extend. This role is subject to DBS checks.

The Centre for Child and Family Justice Research is a successful research centre with a global profile, and we are looking for an individual who wants to be an integral part of this vibrant community. Current sources of funding include the Nuffield Foundation, the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory, Economic and Social Research Council, Big Lottery, the Australian Research Council, local and national government.

If you would like further information and an opportunity to discuss the role, please contact: Dr Linda Cusworth on (l.cusworth@lancaster.ac.uk).

Closing Date: 13 Jul 2026

Department: Research

Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Part-Time/Indefinite with End Date)

Lancaster University School of Law is a vibrant, research-intensive Law School that strives to produce an outstanding educational experience for its students.  We seek to appoint a Senior Lecturer or Lecturer (Grade 7/8) on the Teaching and Research track to contribute across the School’s core undergraduate LLB teaching.   An ability and willingness to teach at least one of the following areas is essential: Land Law, Equity and Trusts, Commercial Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law or EU Law.  As part of your role, you will be expected to supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students. You will also take on administrative duties and/or leadership roles as requested by the School. Please specify which role/grade level you will be applying for within your responses.

The post is offered on a Teaching & Research basis. You will pursue impactful research and deliver publications of a high quality and at a level appropriate for a strong submission to the next Research Excellence Framework.  

Lancaster University is a UK top 10 University (Complete University Guide 2026). The School of Law is consistently ranked in the top quartile of UK league tables and has an excellent track record in National Student Survey results (5^th in the UK for student experience in the Complete University Guide 2025). The School has a vibrant teaching and research culture, with interdisciplinary collaborations, and a cohort of around 50 PhD students studying a range of different legal areas.

The School has over 45 academic members of staff and is committed to making a positive impact on people's lives as well as academic excellence – over 80% of the School's research was rated as being internationally excellent or world leading in the 2021 Research Assessment Exercise.  We excelled in particular in relation to impact, being ranked at 6^th in the UK on this measure. The School is also committed to innovation and excellence in teaching, learning and assessment and has a particular focus on employability and student skills development, not least through our award-winning Law Clinic and extra-curricular student activity including mooting, negotiation and mediation.

Staff in the School continue to benefit from Lancaster’s strong commitment at institutional and School level to opportunity for all and the provision of an environment that encourages and supports research and scholarship. The School is very proud of its friendly, co-operative ethos that promotes collaborative working and the sharing of research and teaching experiences. Both research and scholarship are supported through a structured staff development programme and the opportunity to partake in a School mentoring scheme.

To find out more about the School, please go to: http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/law

Informal enquiries may be made to: Professor Bryan Clark, Head of School at b.j.clark@lancaster.ac.uk

Closing Date: 20 Jul 2026

Department: Academic

Salary: £41,064 to £67,468 (Full-time indefinite)

The post is offered on a Teaching & Research basis. You will pursue impactful research and deliver publications of a high quality and at a level appropriate for a Grade 7 appointee with a view to submission in the next Research Excellence Framework.  

Lancaster University is a UK top 10 University (Complete University Guide 2026). The School of Law is consistently ranked in the top quartile of UK league tables and has an excellent track record in National Student Survey results (5^th in the UK for student experience in the Complete University Guide 2025). The School has a vibrant teaching and research culture, with interdisciplinary collaborations, and a cohort of around 50 PhD students studying a range of different legal areas.

The School has over 45 academic members of staff and is committed to making a positive impact on people's lives as well as academic excellence – over 80% of the School's research was rated as being internationally excellent or world leading in the 2021 Research Assessment Exercise.  We excelled in particular in relation to impact, being ranked at 6^th in the UK on this measure. The School is also committed to innovation and excellence in teaching, learning and assessment and has a particular focus on employability and student skills development, not least through our award-winning Law Clinic and extra-curricular student activity including mooting, negotiation and mediation.

Staff in the School continue to benefit from Lancaster’s strong commitment at institutional and School level to opportunity for all and the provision of an environment that encourages and supports research and scholarship. The School is very proud of its friendly, co-operative ethos that promotes collaborative working and the sharing of research and teaching experiences. Both research and scholarship are supported through a structured staff development programme and the opportunity to partake in a School mentoring scheme.

To find out more about the School, please go to: http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/law

Informal enquiries may be made to: Professor Bryan Clark, Head of School at b.j.clark@lancaster.ac.uk

Closing Date: 20 Jul 2026

Department: Academic

Salary: £41,064 to £46,049 (Full-time indefinite)