Senior Research Associate - The ‘Forgotten Ten Percent’ Research Project

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 at 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 review literature, design data collection materials, undertake qualitative interviews and focus groups, and collect structured data from court case files. You must be willing to travel within the UK to collect data, and to attend meetings and other events.

You will have a PhD in a social science discipline or working towards one 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 role is subject to enhanced DBS checks.

The post is available at 0.8FTE from 1^st May 2025. 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 on 31^st December 2026.

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

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