Herbert Smith Senior Research Fellow in Private International Law

Job Description

The British Institute of International and Comparative Law is the foremost independent research and discussion body in the United Kingdom and one of the leading such bodies in the world. In 2008 it celebrated 50 years of its activities within a dynamic international and comparative legal context. Herbert Smith LLP is one of the world's leading law practices with recognised eminence and expertise in private international law.

The Institute is seeking to appoint an exceptional candidate as the Herbert Smith Senior Research Fellow in Private International Law to lead the Institute's research and events programme in private international law (conflicts of law). The person appointed is expected to make a significant contribution to the research, outreach and administrative activities of the Institute, and will have an opportunity to develop new research projects and activities.

This post is a research post with no teaching duties, which offers substantial opportunities to demonstrate leadership, both scholarly and practical, in the area of private international law. It enables the Fellow to work directly with a broad network of scholars, practitioners, judges, government officials and others working in this field and to gain a public profile.

The Fellow will have the following tasks in consultation with the Director:

  • Lead and develop the research and events programme in private international law;
  • Undertake and publish high quality research for the Institute;
  • Develop new research projects for the Institute;
  • Seek and obtain funding from funding bodies and other donors;
  • Manage research projects efficiently and on time;
  • Supervise the work of the Institute's research fellows and interns;
  • Direct and coordinate a series of events in private international law;
  • Offer occasional lectures or seminars to Herbert Smith;
  • Engage with practitioners and others working in the field of private international law;
  • Assist in a collegial way with the outreach and administrative activities of the Institute;
  • Advise and support the Director.

It is expected that the successful applicant will demonstrate, and have evidence of, all of the following:

  • A record of outstanding published research in private international law;
  • A strong reputation as a high quality legal scholar in private international law;
  • An ability to lead and co-ordinate research activity in private international law;
  • An ability to seek, obtain and manage research funding;
  • A willingness to interact appropriately with others, including practitioners, working in the field of private international law and with external organisations;
  • An understanding of legal practice in private international law;
  • An ability to organise and manage seminars, conferences and other events to a high standard;
  • An ability to supervise more junior researchers and assist in their career development;
  • An ability and willingness to undertake, and deal effectively, efficiently and appropriately with, administrative responsibilities; and
  • An ability and willingness to work collaboratively and collegially with colleagues.

While applications from any area of private international law (conflicts of law) are welcome, an understanding of the European and commercial aspects of this area would be preferred.

It is expected that the areas of expertise of the person appointed will not overlap to any significant extent with those areas of research of the current senior researchers within the Institute. These senior researchers' expertise includes, for example, competition law, international investment and trade law, product liability law and public international law.

The Institute wishes to appoint someone for five years, though some flexibility with regard to the length of the Fellowship may be considered. Consideration will be given to applicants seeking less than full-time employment. A salary package within the academic Associate Professor/Reader range is expected, depending on qualifications and experience. It is hoped that the person appointed will commence as soon as possible.


Informal enquiries may be addressed to the Institute's Director, Professor Robert McCorquodale, at r.mccorquodale@biicl.org or + 44 (0)207 862 5151.

All applicants must send the following by 16 March 2009, by email to jobs@biicl.org:

  • A full curriculum vitae, including a list of publications;
  • The name and addresses of three referees;
  • A covering letter setting out their reasons for applying and how they consider that they meet the above criteria for this post.

It is expected that interviews will be conducted in April 2009.

Applicants are encouraged to find out more about the Institute and its members of staff and activities at:
http://www.biicl.org

The British Institute of International and Comparative Law
Charles Clore House
17 Russell Square
London
WC1B 5JP
Tel: +44 (0)20 7862 5167
Fax: +44 (0)20 7862 5152