The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) invites applications for one (01) full-time contractual position of Senior Research Associate, based at the NLSIU campus in Bengaluru. The appointment will be for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project requirements.

About the Project

The Juvenile Justice Clinic seeks to strengthen the juvenile justice system in the State of Karnataka. The project pursues this objective through a Helpdesk established at the Government Observation Home in Madiwala, Bengaluru, which provides legal aid and psychosocial support to Children in Conflict with the Law (CiCLs).

The Clinic also works closely with key stakeholders from government departments and the judiciary to deliver targeted capacity-building programmes aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system. In addition, the project undertakes empirical research and strategic advocacy to drive systemic reforms that promote the protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of CiCLs.

About the Role

The Senior Research Associate will be responsible for leading the Clinic’s research strategy and ensuring the timely completion of planned research outputs.

The incumbent will report to the Clinic Co-Directors and/or the Director of Clinics.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute the research agenda and outputs of the Juvenile Justice Clinic.
• Develop and implement research plans in consultation with the Clinic’s Co-Directors.
• Identify critical issues within the juvenile justice system and undertake in-depth analysis to develop policy positions, research reports, policy briefs, and other scholarly outputs.
• Plan, organise, and participate in consultations, roundtables, workshops, and conferences at the state and national levels.
• Engage in child rights advocacy through strategic collaboration with government departments, judicial institutions, and civil society organisations.
• Travel to Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) and other stakeholder locations across Karnataka and other research sites, as required.
• Publish research outputs in the form of academic articles, policy briefs, blogs, and opinion pieces.
• Develop capacity-building resources and training materials for workshops, training programmes, and conferences.
• Maintain research databases and documentation while ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and accessibility.
• Oversee the drafting of legal opinions and review relevant national and state policies pertaining to juvenile justice.

Qualifications

Essential

• Master’s degree in law or an allied discipline from a recognised university.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Google Workspace (G-Suite), MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
  Strong time-management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.

Desirable

• Ability to speak and read Kannada.

Experience

Essential

• 5-7 years of research experience, including demonstrated expertise in the design and conceptualisation of research projects in the fields of human rights, child rights, or allied areas.
• Experience supervising or mentoring research assistants.

Desirable

Experience working on issues related to human rights and child protection systems in India.

Key Competencies

• Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Strong command of legal research databases and demonstrated proficiency in data collection, management, and analysis.
• Ability to work with and analyse large datasets.
• Proven ability to maintain research trackers and monitor documentation for ongoing research and project activities.

Compensation and Terms

Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications, relevant experience, and University norms.

How to Apply

Please use the Google form provided and include the following documents:

• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A Statement of Purpose (maximum 500 words) outlining:
  • Your vision for the Juvenile Justice Clinic; and
  • Your suitability for the position.
• Contact details of two professional referees.

Application Deadline

The last date for submission of applications is 24 September 2026, 5 PM (IST).
For any queries regarding the position, please write to .