Research Assistant in Equity and Property/Land Law

Internal Applicants Only

Deadline: 2 August 2023

Professor Ben McFarlane is looking for a research assistant to help with forthcoming work in equity and in property/land law

The project aims are completion of material for publication. The research assistant will be required to assist with preparation of updates to chapters of Snell’s Equity, and of Land Law: Text, Cases and Materials, research of material for papers on equity and property law to be written over the summer, and preparation of material for a book proposal.

Tasks for the Research Assistant will be:

• Check for and summarise relevant new case-law in specific areas of equity and land law, including estoppel.
• Prepare and check end of chapter questions and answers for Land Law: Text, Cases and Materials
• Check footnote references and compliance with style guide for updates
• Read and comment on drafts of papers
• Find and summarise relevant material for articles and for a book proposal

Duration and hours

Working hours: a total of up to 80 hours across the duration of the project, to be agreed with the project supervisor.

Start date: 8 August 2023

Date by which the work must be completed: 30 October 2023, or 12 weeks after start date.

Reporting

The Research Assistant will report to Professor McFarlane.

Requirements

• A good understanding of the fields of equity and of property/land law, either in England or in other jurisdictions is essential.
• Experience of law referencing systems is essential.
• A general understanding of the field of private law is essential.
• Strong research and administrative skills are essential.
• Strong written communication skills are essential.
• Ability to work well to a deadline and to maintain a professional attitude is essential.
• Experience of law citation systems and preparation of manuscripts for publication is desirable.
• Recent in-depth study of the English law of equity/trusts and/or property/land law is desirable.

The work can be done in any place in the UK where you have access to a good library and internet. Meetings with the PI can either be held in-person in Oxford or held online.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to current graduate students at the University of Oxford 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 £17.02 per hour (including the exceptional non-consolidated uplift for 2022-23), 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 Faculty Officer allowance (BA0000-S5440) and a Higher Studies Fund award (BADHS290).

How to Apply

A short CV and cover letter (including the name of your supervisor) should be sent by email to ben.mcfarlane@law.ox.ac.uk by 2 August 2023. Please explain how you meet the requirements for the role, and give details of your availability. Supervisors may be asked for a reference.

Enquiries about the project are welcome, and may be addressed to ben.mcfarlane@law.ox.ac.uk (Faculty member). General queries, e.g. about the appointment process, or eligibility, may be addressed to research@law.ox.ac.uk.