At a Glance
- Tasks: Research legal and HR blind spots in workplace sexual harassment and assault.
- Company: UWE Bristol - College of Business and Law, a leading institution for impactful research.
- Benefits: Tax-exempt stipend of £21,805 per annum and full tuition fees covered.
- Other info: Opportunity to conduct meaningful research with potential for significant societal impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding and addressing workplace gender-based violence.
- Qualifications: 2.1 degree in HR management, law, criminology or related field; Masters preferred.
The predicted salary is between 21805 - 21805 £ per year.
UWE, Bristol - College of Business and Law
Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Bristol
Funding for: UK Students, EU Students, International Students
Funding amount: Tax-exempt stipend of £21805 per annum, and full-time home/international fees
Hours: Full Time
Placed On: 10th July 2026
Closes: 16th August 2026
Application Deadline: 16 August 2026
Start date: 1 October 2026
Work-related sexual harassment is rarely recognised as gender-based violence and is often minimised as an occupational hazard or unfavourable treatment, even when it involves unwanted physical contact that would constitute sexual assault outside the workplace. Legislative responses reflect this fragmentation, with workplace sexual harassment falling into civil employment law and the employment tribunal system rather than the criminal justice system, where complaints of gender-based violence outside the workplace are likely to be heard. Responsibility for prevention and response usually falls to HR managers who, while trained in employment law, may lack the expertise to recognise when harassment becomes sexual assault. Trade union representatives often provide partial support, focusing on procedures rather than survivor-centred, trauma-informed safeguarding. Consequently, such cases may be handled through inappropriate grievance and disciplinary processes, with limited sanctions for third-party perpetrators and remedies that have historically included non-disclosure agreements that silence victims and may push them out of employment.
We are looking to appoint a PhD student to research the legal, HR policy and practice ‘blind spots’ when sexual harassment at work crosses the boundary to sexual assault. We invite research proposals exploring gender-based violence at work with a mix of methods including documentary analysis (e.g., court reports, police reports, sexual harassment policies) and interviews (e.g., with HR managers, trade unions and, possibly, survivors). The research will focus on the UK, though proposals adopting a comparative perspective are welcome.
Funding details: Studentship is available from 1 October 2026 for 3 years, subject to satisfactory progress, and includes tax-exempt stipend of £21805 p.a., and full-time home/international fees.
Eligibility criteria: Applicants must have at least 2.1 degree in human resources management, criminal/employment law, criminology or a cognate discipline, and preferably a Masters degree (average programme mark no less than 65%, UK grading scale or international equivalent). A recognised English language qualification is required. IELTS score of 7.0 overall, or equivalent.
References: Details of two referees. At least one must be an academic from the institution that conferred your highest degree. Provide references within 14 days of your application.
Application Deadline: 9 August 2026; 6pm (UK)
Further information: Interviews: online in late August. If you have not heard from us by 25 August 2026 – thank you for your application, on this occasion you have not been successful.
Queries about the studentship: Contact Paweł Capik; pawel.capik@uwe.ac.uk
Queries about project proposal: Contact Stefano Gasparri; stefano.gasparri@uwe.ac.uk
PhD Studentship in sexual harassment and sexual assault at work: exploring legal and HR blind spots employer: Emerging Scholars Council
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to research excellence and professional development, employees benefit from access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities for growth in the field of implementation science. Located in a dynamic city known for its rich cultural heritage and supportive community, Newcastle University provides a unique setting for meaningful and impactful work.
