Vacancy terms: Full time or job share, fixed term contract from 01 February 2027 to 31 January 2030
Location: Leicester
Salary details: Grade 7 - £40,704 per annum, pro-rata if part-time
Hours per week: 37.5
Advert closes midnight on: 23 Nov 2026
About the role
We are seeking a Research Associate in International Space Law to join the Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space (LCHS), based at Space Park Leicester. The Centre brings together interdisciplinary research across the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences to develop new insights into humanity’s relationship with space, with researchers working alongside physical scientists, space companies, businesses and governmental bodies. You will undertake a research project in international space law, with particular interest in the responsibility of private actors under international law for activities in outer space. Potential areas of investigation include environmental protection, sustainable space exploration, space resource utilisation, property rights and related international litigation. This complements the University’s wider international space law research, which examines the legal frameworks governing space activities by states and private entities.
You will take responsibility for developing and delivering your research, including collecting and analysing data, developing theoretical approaches or empirical analysis, and disseminating findings through appropriate academic and public outputs. Working both independently and collaboratively, you will contribute to the intellectual life of LCHS, build networks and collaborations, engage with external stakeholders and participate in conferences, workshops, seminars and Centre activities. You will also have access to mentorship, professional development opportunities and support for research and impact projects. Space Park Leicester provides a particularly collaborative setting for this work, connecting academia, research, innovation and the wider space sector.
About you
You will have a PhD, or equivalent research experience, with a background in public international law, together with experience and knowledge of research in international space law. You will be able to demonstrate research productivity appropriate to your career stage, for example through peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations, and an interest in contributing as part of a research team. The opportunity is particularly suited to an early career researcher seeking to develop their own research profile within an interdisciplinary environment.
You will bring excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong IT competency and fluent or near-fluent proficiency in English sufficient for research and administrative activities. You will be able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively, plan and deliver a programme of research, manage competing priorities and contribute positively to relationships with colleagues, collaborators and external stakeholders. You should also be willing to undertake relevant training and take an active role in the wider research community of the Centre.
Additional information
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Professor Rossana Deplano at rd279@leicester.ac.uk.
As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.
The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.
As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.
We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.
