School of Law Research Assistant
Closing Date: 19/12/2025

The School of Law are seeking to recruit a current Lancaster University postgraduate research (PGR) student on a flexible basis beginning in January 2026. The role forms part of a project which will explore the development of a continuing professional development (CPD) offering with the School.

The School of Law would like to explore the development of a CPD offering within the School. One strand of the School’s engagement strategy is to ‘develop a CPD resource that will act as both a source of income for the School and allows our research to be used by those in practice’. As the first stage of implementing this aspect of the strategy, we would like to undertake a scoping exercise to identify where best to focus our efforts in relation to CPD development to maximise the success of any resources developed, both financially and reputationally. We are looking to appoint an RA to support this work.

The key objectives of this project are:

• To identify existing CPD offerings within the university from which we can learn and template the development of our own resources.
• To identify existing CPD provision offered externally by other universities and providers within the North of England, to ensure that we do not duplicate what already exists.
• To engage with employers, the professions, businesses etc within the region to ascertain their CPD needs.
• To bring together all the above information to put together a clear evidence-based plan for a focused CPD programme within the Law School that will raise the profile of the School externally and effectively generate additional income.

To support this project, research assistant will have a number of responsibilities, including:

• Meeting with members of academic staff in the School of Law, across FHASS, and in other parts of the university to gather insights into existing CPD resources and development processes.
• To research and review existing CPD provision offered within the university.
• To research and review existing CPD provision offered by other universities and CPD providers in the North of England.
• To contact and engage with relevant employers, business, law firms etc within the region to ascertain their CPD needs and where there are ‘gaps in the market’ for delivery.
• To put together an evidence-based plan for CPD development within the School.

Essential

• Current Lancaster University postgraduate research (PGR) student, must be available between January and July 2026.
• Excellent written communication skills (e.g., ability to clearly and effectively communicate with a range of different audiences and stakeholders)
• Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., ability to work well and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including academic staff)
• Strong organisational and time management skills (e.g., ability to effectively organise time to meet multiple deadlines)
• Reliable (e.g., ability to adhere to agreed timelines)
• Flexible, organised, and self-motivated (e.g., flexibility to work with different sources of information)
• Excellent IT skills (e.g. MS Word, Teams).
• High standards of professionalism and attention to detail (e.g., maintaining confidentiality and demonstrating professional conduct).

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of CPD.
• Experience of engaging with a range of stakeholders