Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Overview Fixed-term: 1 Sept 2026 – 31 Dec 2028 The post-holder will be part of an exciting new research project funded by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the German Research Foundation (DFG) entitled “Fashion’s PLACE – Private (International) Law and Circular Economy”. The project explores the private law and private international law components of legal design for a just circular economy transition in global value chains (GVC). It uses the fashion industry as a case study, examining the journey of textiles from the places of production, via the marketplaces of consumption, to the places of disposal. Role details Job Description details: Grade UE07: £41,064 - £48,822 per annum; CAHSS / School of Law; Full-time: 35 hours per week; Fixed-term: 1 Sept 2026 – 31 Dec 2028. The post is based in the School of Law, University of Edinburgh, and is part of a broader research collaboration with Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law in Hamburg. Responsibilities * Conduct research in private international law with a focus on sustainability challenges within private international law. * Engage in legal analysis related to sustainability in private international law and contribute to project outputs. * Work under the line management of Professor Verónica Ruiz Abou-Nigm; collaborate with investigators at the University of Edinburgh and Max Planck Institute (Dr Antonia Sommerfeld, Dr Michael Picard, Professor Ralf Michaels). * Produce research findings suitable for publication and contribute to grant reporting and project administration as needed. Qualifications * Postdoctoral researcher with background in private international law and experience in legal analysis of private international law issues, particularly relating to sustainability challenges. * Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work collaboratively with international collaborators. How to apply View the full job description. All applicants must submit: * short research proposal (max 2 pages), outlining their approach to the project * CV * Cover letter Applicants should identify their two strongest publications (which may include work under review or accepted but not published, such as a PhD thesis chapter) and explain why these are original and significant. A form is provided to facilitate this step. Download publications form (Word). Benefits and work environment A career with Edinburgh Law School offers leading-edge research opportunities, the chance to work within one of the world’s leading universities, interesting and rewarding work, and excellent benefits and support. * Competitive salary * Positive, creative, challenging environment * Diverse and international community * Comprehensive staff benefits including generous annual leave, pension scheme, staff discounts, and flexible work options Equality, diversity and inclusion We champion equality, diversity, and inclusion. The University holds a Silver Athena SWAN award and is a member of the Race Equality Charter; we are Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, particularly from underrepresented groups. Right to work and sponsorship Prior to employment, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages. The University may be able to sponsor international workers in this role, depending on factors specific to the successful applicant. Key dates Closing date for applications: 4 May 2026 (11:59pm UK time). Interviews are expected to be held on 21 May 2026. About Us and Team Edinburgh Law School is a world-leading, research-intensive faculty located in Old College, Edinburgh. The School values diversity and supports flexible and family-friendly working arrangements. It provides mentoring, training and networking opportunities for all staff. The School is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes all qualified candidates. More information: https://www.law.ed.ac.uk/about-us/mission-and-values #J-18808-Ljbffr