The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory is an organisation that seeks to improve the lives of children and families by using data and research to hold up a mirror to children’s and families’ experiences of family court and their circumstances pre- and post- court proceedings.  

Acknowledged as a trusted source of information about the family justice system, we have worked closely with judges, lawyers, social workers, families and policy makers to improve practice for children and families, communicating research evidence and data in accessible ways. The progress of our work is recorded in our 5 year impact report, and our values include empathy, curiosity and independence, collaboration, and equity. 

The role  

We are looking for a Researcher to join our team on a maternity cover basis. As a Researcher, you will support the work of Nuffield FJO by carrying out relevant data analysis and research on a range of topics relating to family justice (including social care, public and private law and the family courts). You will analyse nationally available administrative data, synthesise existing research findings, draft reports, develop infographics, present findings to a wide range of audiences and help build and develop Nuffield FJO’s reach and influence.   

About you  

You will have a good knowledge of social science research, gained through work experience or studies in subjects such as law or a social science (including economics, sociology, social policy, education, public health etc.)  You will have experience of a range of research techniques and excellent writing and presentation skills. 

Some experience of working on issues related to families and children would be advantageous. You will have experience of coordinating and managing research projects. You will also have experience of quantitative data analysis of large datasets, using R, Stata or similar. Knowledge of data visualisation techniques and status as an approved researcher for ONS data sets is also highly desirable.  

For further information about the role, please click here to download the full job description (PDF).  

About us  

The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory improves the lives of children and families by putting data and evidence at the heart of the family justice system. It's funded and hosted by the Nuffield Foundation, an independent charitable trust with a mission to advance educational opportunity and social well-being.    

The Nuffield Foundation funds research that informs social policy, primarily in Education, Welfare and Justice. We are also the founder and co-funder of Nuffield Council on Bioethics and the Ada Lovelace Institute.    

We strongly encourage applicants from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the research and policy worlds (for example those who have lived experienced of the family justice system or come from a marginalised community). We are committed to tackling societal injustice and inequality through our work and believe that all kinds of experiences and backgrounds can contribute to this mission.  

Further information and how to apply  

The closing date for applications is 09:30am (BST) on Monday 30th March 2026. Interviews are then planned to take place on Monday 20th or Tuesday 21st April 2026.

This is a maternity cover contract (of up to 12 months) and we would ideally be looking for the successful candidate to start around mid-late July. 

You will be required to complete some questions as part of this application process, and you are also required to upload an up-to-date copy of your CV. The Applied platform lets you save an application and resume it ahead of submitting before the application deadline.  

The Nuffield Foundation and its Centres think deeply about the role of emerging technology in society. All recruitment decisions are made by a person (we do not use AI tools to rate or reject applicants). We ask applicants to respond to the questions using their own experience, thinking and opinion, writing in their own tone of voice rather than using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. The use of generative AI can result in generic responses to individual questions which stand out less to reviewers.

Please note that for vacancies which receive a high volume of applications, we may undertake an initial screening of CVs.

Should you need to make an application in a different format or require any adjustments as part of the application process, please get in touch with us: recruitment@nuffieldfoundation.org  

We are committed to inclusive working practices and during the application process we commit to:   

• As a Disability Confident employer, we will offer an interview to a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the essential criteria for the job. 

• making any reasonable adjustments – for example providing documents in different formats, arranging for a sign language interpreter for interviews etc   

• reimbursing reasonable travel costs (and any childcare or care costs) for interviews where in-person attendance is required   

Our benefits package includes:   

• Genuine flexibility - we are open to requests for part-time hours, compressed working weeks, or job shares. 

• 28 days holiday per annum and all public holidays, with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days (prorated for part time staff). 

• A salary exchange pension scheme that offers employer contributions of up to 11%.    

• Life assurance scheme.    

• Family leave policies that provide an enhanced level of pay.    

• Cycle to work scheme and loans towards season tickets.    

• Regular opportunities for learning and development – including coaching, mentoring, and dedicated reading days for personal development and reflection. 

• Support with your physical, mental and financial wellbeing including an employee assistance provider, a private GP service, personal health reviews with Bupa, a will and funeral planning service and a staff network of trained Mental Health First Aiders. 

• A warm and welcoming workplace culture, with active peer groups and social networks to help you connect and belong.