Lead researcher: Melanie Klinkner
Faculty: Faculty of Media and Communication
Cluster, centre, institute: Conflict, Rule of Law and Society
URA position title: Research assistant for ‘legal protection of mass graves’ project
Relevant disciplines: LLB Law (Faculty of Media and Communication) BSc Anthropological,
archaeological and forensic sciences (Faculty of Science and Technology) BSc Forensic Science
(Faculty of Science and Technology) BSc Forensic Investigation (Faculty of Science and Technology)
BA Sociology/ Social Anthropology/ Social Policy (Health and Social Science)
Description of the position: Without adequate protection of mass graves, the rights of survivors to
know the truth about what happened to their loved ones and the preservation of evidence for
justice purposes can be severely compromised through disturbance. Producing legal guidelines to
protect mass graves will ensure victims of gross human rights violations can be identified, and
evidence is safeguarded helping to bring perpetrators to justice. The URA position will support work
towards producing such guidelines.
The successful applicant will progress and refine a working paper that has been developed by a
previous URA and Dr Klinkner which synthesises and analyses existing literature to draft mass grave
protection guidelines. These draft guidelines will form the basis for a research bid application to the
Arts and Humanities Research Council under the Research Networking Scheme (deadline 31st July
2015). The student will assist in the preparation of all aspects surrounding the grant application,
including administrative, research, networking and writing process to ensure timely submission. Of
particular importance will be the formulation of a future research agenda and effective
dissemination, publication and impact strategy.
Explain how this position will enhance and enrich the student's undergraduate experience and
how it relates to the relevant courses/disciplines and/or future career of the student: This project
provides the student with the opportunity to review, reflect and propose how laws should be
drafted based upon available evidence. Rather than being a ‘recipient’ of the law, it is the student
that will be the ‘shaper’ of legislative proposals based on a multi-disciplinary approach.
Furthermore, the student will gain insight into the world of research funding and research
application processes by being involved in the progression of a research idea into a fully-fledged
funding application. The student will gain an understanding of key aspects in the process of bidwriting including:
• the administrative aspects (such as budgeting and time-management); • the importance of liaising
with key stakeholders (such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, International
Commission on Missing Persons, forensic scientists, NGOs and survivor populations to gain their
support); and • the necessity of developing a sustainable research product with clear pathways to
societal impact.
The programme of work will enable the student to progress their studies beyond one discipline and
provides them with the opportunity to learn more about research methods, research funding, and
research development in academia.
How will the position be supervised and mentored: The programme of work will be supervised by
Dr. Melanie Klinkner, who has researched in the field of mass grave evidence collection and its use
for international criminal purposes. A two level approach is envisaged consisting, firstly, of
mentoring and co-creation for the research process itself and secondly, guidance and co-operation
through the funding application process.
(1) Much of the literature on the subject has already been sourced, analysed and synthesised but
now needs refining. Supervision will ensure that the student is guided through the existing work so
that it can be progressed, in collaboration with Dr Klinkner, into draft guidelines which in turn will
form the basis for the grant application.
(2) Regular meetings will be held to progress the research bid itself with its administrative,
networking and writing requirements. The methodology of the bid involves participation of
stakeholders from the military, forensic sciences, criminal investigations, legal profession, NGOs, and
survivor group to take part in discussions refining the draft paper. Getting various stakeholder onboard will be part of the tasks and will be closely managed by the supervisor.
There will also be collaboration with Dr Schwandner-Sievers (HSS) who will be Co-Investigator on the
final bid.
List of duties and responsibilities of the position: • Analysis of the interdisciplinary materials; •
Legal writing and structuring ; • Networking; • Administration associated with the funding
application; • Grant application drafting; • Developing a research agenda; • Formulating a
publication and impact strategy.
List the position qualifications including any special requirements (be specific): The applicant
should possess:
an understanding of international law; an interest in post-conflict solutions, intervention and
transitional justice; an interest in research funding; strong written communication skills; an aptitude
for networking; and a desire to work across disciplines.
To ensure the student is integrated into the University's research environment and activities, it is
suggested that a desk-space (including PC and telephone) within a PhD student office is offered to
the successful candidate. At a time where the university tends to be empty of undergraduate
students this will also offer the possibility of socialising at the work place.