Lead Researcher Vacancy at National Law University Delhi, New Delhi

Post published: November 15, 2026
Post category:Jobs
Reading time:3 mins read

National Law University Delhi has invited applications for 2 posts of Lead Researcher for a Diagnostic Study on Understanding ‘Ease of Justice’ in India. The study is commissioned by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, in collaboration with UNDP India, and is designed and executed by NLU Delhi. The engagement is contractual for 1 year, from 1 December 2026 to 31 August 2027, with a remuneration of Rs. 70,000 per month, based on qualifications and experience. The last date to apply is 15 November 2026.

Position at a Glance

Post	Lead Researcher
Number of Vacancies	2
Nature of Engagement	Contractual, for 1 year (1 December 2026 – 31 August 2027)
Location	Delhi NCR, with travel to study states as required
Application Mode	Email
Last Date	15 November 2026

Eligibility

Bachelor’s degree in Law, Public Policy, Sociology, Political Science, Economics or a related social science, with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA. Candidates must have a minimum of 2 years of post-qualification experience in empirical or socio-legal research, strong analytical and report-writing skills evidenced by published or policy work, and proficiency in English. Desirable qualifications include an LL.M. or Master’s degree in any of the above disciplines with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA; experience leading qualitative fieldwork, preferably on courts, legal aid or access to justice; working knowledge of mixed-methods research and thematic and content analysis; understanding of research ethics, including trauma-informed and data protection practices; and knowledge of an Indian language.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must email their updated CV, a writing sample and a Statement of Purpose (SoP) of 500 words to ccv@nludelhi.ac.in by 15 November 2026, with “Lead Researcher Application – Ease of Justice Study” in the subject line and a cover letter in the body of the email. Queries may be sent to ccv@nludelhi.ac.in.

Role and Importance

The study is a supply-side institutional capacity assessment of justice delivery in India, with a focus on civil and commercial jurisdictions, using a six-pillar diagnostic framework and a mixed-methods design across 12 states and 24 districts. Lead Researchers will conceptualise and execute the study, lead qualitative fieldwork including interviews with senior stakeholders and regional focus group discussions, train, supervise and quality-assure field teams, lead thematic and content analysis, and draft the pillar-wise findings and the diagnostic report, including comparative benchmarking and prioritised reform recommendations aligned with SDG 16.3.