Research Associate

Department

The York Law School is a community of scholars whose outstanding research crosses disciplines and defines new research paradigms. Collaboration is a natural and central aspect of our research activities. We have extensive networks both nationally and internationally to assess, inform and influence the operation of law in society through applied and practically-grounded research.

Role

This post will involve working with Dr Magda Furgalska across the spectrum of her work in the field of mental health law, mental capacity and/or health law. The successful candidate will support the project looking into alternatives to coercion in mental health care led by Dr Magda Furgalska as part of the wider Administrative Fairness in Healthcare project (a collaboration across researchers from the York Law School and Health Sciences) funded by the University of York SPARKS research initiative. The role also involves supporting Dr Furgalska in developing new research ideas and applying for relevant funding.

This role is available on a part time basis (18.5 hours per week) and on a fixed term basis up to July 2025.

Key Responsibilities include:

• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects. Duties include preparing applications for relevant ethics’ reviews, analysis and interpretation of research data; use of appropriate research techniques and methods; writing up of research results and dissemination through publications, seminar and conference presentations and public engagement and outreach activities; contributing to the identification of possible new areas of research.
• To contribute to the preparation of research proposals and applications to external bodies.
• With the guidance of the project supervisor, to undertake a combination of literature reviews, desk-based research, and qualitative interviews. Using specialist knowledge, methods and techniques as required.
• To assist with data collection through qualitative enquiry.
• To undertake appropriate organisational and administrative activities connected to the research project, including conference organisation, and the development of promotional or educational material including website maintenance and development.
• To develop and initiate collaborative working internally and externally, duties to include: the building of internal contacts and participation in internal networks; collaboration with colleagues on joint projects as required; participation in and identification of external networks in order to share information and identify potential opportunities for collaboration and possible sources of funding; attendance at and contribution to relevant meetings.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• Undergraduate degree in law or equivalent experience
• PhD in law, socio-legal inquiry or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of mental health law and mental capacity law and/or health law
• Knowledge of range of research methods and methodologies
• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide range of audience
• Ability to develop research objectives, projects and proposals
• Ability to identify sources of funding and contribute to the process of securing funds
• Experience of conducting qualitative interviews
• Experience of writing up research for publication
• Collaborative ethos

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: Please contact Dr Magda Furgalska on magdalena.furgalska@york.ac.uk 

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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