Location: Milton Keynes
Department: The Law School
Salary: £46,735 to £55,755
Contract Type: Fixed-Term (2 years from start date)
Closing Date: 20 July 2025
The Open University is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Fellow to join the Centre for Protecting Women Online (CPWO), a pioneering research initiative funded by Research England. This position offers an exciting opportunity for a dynamic academic to contribute meaningfully to interdisciplinary research that addresses the safety of women and girls online.
The Research Fellow will work under the leadership of Professor Olga Jurasz, Director of the CPWO, and will co-lead the Law & Policy work stream within the Centre. Based in The Law School, the successful candidate will contribute to developing an ambitious research programme that promotes safer digital spaces through legal, policy, and technological innovation.
About the Centre
The Centre for Protecting Women Online is committed to advancing knowledge and creating impact through interdisciplinary and collaborative research. It focuses on tackling the growing concerns surrounding online harms targeting women and girls. The Centre aims to generate evidence-based insights that inform national and international law and policy, encourage the development of responsible technologies, and foster cross-sectoral partnerships. Its work is structured around five interwoven work streams, each contributing to a shared vision of digital safety and justice.
Key Responsibilities
The appointed Research Fellow will assume a central role in the Law & Policy work stream, contributing to research design, development, and dissemination. Key duties include:
- Co-leading the Law & Policy stream, contributing to the delivery of the Centre’s research strategy.
- Initiating and leading innovative research projects aligned with the Centre’s objectives.
- Building and maintaining collaborations with academic and non-academic partners.
- Applying for external research funding and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Centre.
- Supervising PhD students and supporting early-career researchers.
- Producing high-quality academic outputs, including peer-reviewed publications and policy briefs.
- Leading knowledge exchange and public engagement activities.
- Representing the Centre at national and international conferences, workshops, and stakeholder events.
- Contributing to the day-to-day operations of the Law & Policy work stream, in collaboration with the Director and other Centre staff.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications and Experience:
- A Master’s degree in Law or a related discipline relevant to the Centre’s work.
- Substantial professional experience in a policy-focused role, ideally in sectors related to online safety, human rights, or gender justice.
- Demonstrated understanding of current legal and policy frameworks affecting women’s online safety.
- Experience in conducting collaborative research with non-academic stakeholders such as NGOs, government bodies, or tech organisations.
- Proven ability to influence policy through research or advisory work.
- Familiarity with the research funding landscape, including a track record of applying for or securing external research grants.
- Experience in designing and delivering knowledge exchange and impact strategies.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage both academic and lay audiences.
- A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and the promotion of safe online environments.
Flexible Working
The Open University welcomes applicants seeking flexible working arrangements, including part-time, compressed hours, or other alternative work patterns. Candidates are encouraged to discuss potential arrangements with the recruitment team.
Application Process
Applicants must submit a combined document containing:
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- A personal statement (maximum 1,000 words) detailing their interest in the role and how their skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria.
Closing date: 20 July 2025
Interviews expected: 30 July 2025
Please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the published date if a sufficient number of applications are received. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
For more information and to apply, please visit Open University official webpage.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Open University is proud of its inclusive mission—open to people, places, methods, and ideas. It aims to cultivate an environment where all members of the university community can thrive, regardless of background. The University actively seeks to recruit individuals from underrepresented groups and provides support structures that foster equality, dignity, and respect for all.
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