Blog Editors x 3 for Frontiers of Socio-Legal Studies

Internal Applicants Only

Deadline: 2 November 2023

Professor Linda Mulcahy is looking for three suitably qualified research assistants to run three sections of the socio-legal methodology blog 'Frontiers of Socio-Legal Studies': https://frontiers.csls.ox.ac.uk/. This blog provides a much-needed discussion forum for established academics and early career scholars. We consider these roles to be an excellent career development opportunity for research students who will gain experience of editing, commissioning copy and reviewing submissions under the guidance of a senior member of staff.  They also provide excellent opportunities for students to build networks within the socio-legal community. The editors appointed will work closely with one other student editor who has already been appointed, the lead student blog editor (when appointed), and Professor Mulcahy who is the blog’s senior editor. The tasks involved with each editorial role are outlined below:

Role 1  Student Editor for the Methodological Musings section (one opportunity)

• Attend editorial meetings
• Solicit submissions and commission work where appropriate
• Reject submissions that do not fall within the ambit of the blog
• Conduct reviews as appropriate
• Correspond with authors
• Act as an ambassador for the blog and section
• Oversee the submission, review and production process
• Solicit submissions and commission work where appropriate
• Liaise with senior editors
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the blog

Role 2  Student Editor for the A Good Read section (one opportunity)

• Attend editorial meetings
• Solicit submissions and commission work where appropriate
• Reject submissions that do not fall within the ambit of the blog
• Conduct reviews as appropriate
• Correspond with authors
• Act as an ambassador for the blog and section
• Oversee the submission, review and production process
• Solicit submissions and commission work where appropriate
• Liaise with senior editors
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the blog

Role 3  Student Editor for Podcasts (Talking About Methods section) (one opportunity)

• Assist in setting up podcast interview
• Managing the recording and editing of the podcast
• Researching the biographical details of speakers 
• Compiling background reading lists in consultation with speakers
• Loading the podcast to strict production deadlines
• Attend editorial meetings for the Frontiers of Socio-Legal Studies blog 
• Act as an ambassador for the blog and podcast series
• Oversee the submission, review and production process 
• Provide general administrative support to the Lead Editor of the blog
• Solicit submissions and commission work where appropriate
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the blog

Duration and hours

Working hours: a total of up to 99 hours across the duration of the project, to be agreed with the project supervisor, for each student editor. 

Start date: 1 February 2024

Date by which the work must be completed: 31 December 2024

Reporting

The Blog Editors will report to Professor Linda Mulcahy. 

Requirements

• A degree in law or the social sciences is essential.
• A good working knowledge of socio-legal methodology and methods, ethics and the challenges of fieldwork is essential.
• Editorial experience or experience of running a blog is essential.
• Strong writing, copy editing, and communication skills are essential.
• Good admin and IT skills are essential.
• A demonstrable interest in socio-legal studies is essential.

Your normal place of work will be the Manor Road Building, Manor Road.  However, provided you have the agreement of your PI/Supervisor, and a suitable space to work (including library access if required), it may be possible to undertake the work remotely, which could be anywhere in the UK.  

Please note that you will be required to complete a Right to Work check before starting work. The Law Faculty HR Team will contact you directly to arrange for the appropriate check to take place. What is a right to work check? | Staff Immigration (ox.ac.uk)

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to current graduate students in the Faculty of Law and the hours are in line with the restrictions on working hours for students within the Law Faculty.

It is expected that the work will be undertaken in the UK. 

Rate of Pay

The work will be paid at £17.03 per hour, which equates to University Grade 6, point 1, on the basis of completed and approved timesheets, which must be submitted to payroll@law.ox.ac.uk by the last Friday of each calendar month for payment on the last working day of the following month.

In addition, paid annual leave will be assumed to be taken in the month in which it was accrued.

Funding

This opportunity is funded by a Law Faculty faculty officer allowance (BA0000 S5440) and the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (BA8000).

The roles are advertised within the terms of our Blog Editor scheme.

How to Apply

A short CV and cover letter (including the name of your supervisor) should be sent by email to Linda Mulcahy (admin@csls.ox.ac.uk) by 2 November 2023.  Please indicate which role you are applying for, explain how you meet the requirements, and give details of your availability. Supervisors may be asked for a reference. 

Enquiries about the project are welcome, and may be addressed to Linda Mulcahy at linda.mulcahy@csls.ox.ac.uk. General queries, e.g. about the appointment process, or eligibility, may be addressed to research@law.ox.ac.uk.