Lead Researcher

About the application

Apply for the Lead Consultant (Research) position here: bit.ly/42BtLxP

Applications must be submitted before 11:00 PM on 28th May 2025.

About the opportunity

The NALSAR University of Law (University) through The Square Circle Clinic is seeking to engage, on a contractual basis, one Lead Research Consultant. This is a full-time in-person position based in New Delhi. The contract will be for one year initially extendable on a yearly basis at the discretion of the University.

About The Square Circle Clinic, NALSAR

The Square Circle Clinic is a criminal justice initiative at NALSAR University of Law, with its offices in New Delhi, Pune, Nagpur and Hyderabad. The founders, leadership group, and the full-time staff members at The Square Circle Clinic were earlier engaged in criminal justice work as Project 39A and moved to NALSAR in April 2025. In a decade, Project 39A produced a breadth of empirical and doctrinal research on various aspects of the criminal justice system.

The Clinic undertakes pro bono criminal defense of prisoners sentenced to death and also undertrials, research and public engagement efforts on issues relating to the death penalty, forensics, criminalisation and punishment, prevention of torture, legal aid, and mental health and criminal justice.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of The Square Circle Clinic's research agenda and its implementation
• Supervise research staff towards implementation of the research agenda, including the design and execution of data collection methodologies, and undertake fieldwork as required
• Lead the analysis and synthesis of research findings, and ensure their dissemination through high-impact academic and policy publications
• Publish articles in reputed peer reviewed journals on issues relevant to the work of The Square Circle Clinic
• Contribute to the research and publication of research briefs, reports, and white papers
• Produce shorter written pieces for publication in mainstream media and on other relevant platforms
• Build and sustain collaborations with central and state agencies engaged in the Indian criminal justice system, serving as a key liaison
• Represent The Square Circle Clinic at national and international fora
• Contribute to broader institutional strategy and mentorship within the Clinic, supporting researchers and overall development of The Clinic
• Undertake administrative and strategic responsibilities necessary to advance the Clinic's objectives

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in law
• Master's degree in law, social sciences or allied disciplines
• Demonstrable familiarity in criminal law and the Indian criminal justice system is highly desirable
• Minimum work experience of two years is mandatory
• Apart from English, proficiency in at least one Indian language is preferred

Compensation

The compensation will be competitive and will be commensurate with experience. The minimum pay for this role is Rs. 80,000/- per month.

Application process

Applications are accepted only through the online application form: bit.ly/42BtLxP

Based on the online applications, applicants will be shortlisted for an interview and exercises based on a criminal law case file. The University reserves the right to add further rounds of selection or modify the above mentioned rounds.