Research Associate: Digital Markets & Policy Fieldwork

Office Overview:

Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai (MNLU Mumbai), established under the Maharashtra National Law University Act, 2014, is a premier institution for advanced legal education and research in India. The present opportunity arises under an ICSSR-funded longitudinal research project examining the impact of aggressive pricing practices of e-commerce platforms on the livelihoods of street vendors across major Indian cities. The project integrates empirical fieldwork with legal and policy analysis to address gaps in competition law and digital market regulation.

Position Overview:

Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai invites applications for Research Associate, Research Assistant, and Field Investigator positions under an ICSSR-funded project examining the impact of e-commerce pricing practices on street vendors. The roles involve interdisciplinary research across competition law, cyber law, and platform governance, along with field-based data collection and policy analysis aimed at strengthening protections for informal traders and improving digital market regulation.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Conduct legal and policy research in competition law, cyber law, and platform economy
• Assist in field surveys, interviews, and empirical data collection
• Engage with stakeholders including street vendors, retailers, consumers, and officials
• Analyse socio-economic and regulatory impacts of e-commerce pricing practices
• Contribute to drafting reports, policy recommendations, and research outputs

Eligibility: Research Associate:

• Postgraduate in Law/Social Sciences (minimum 55%)
• NET/M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Minimum 2 years' experience as Research Assistant in a research project
• Desirable: PhD (pursuing/completed), relevant publications, prior experience

Research Assistant:

• Postgraduate in Law/Social Sciences (minimum 55%)
• NET/M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Desirable: PhD (pursuing/completed), relevant publications, prior experience

Field Investigator:

• Postgraduate in Social Sciences (minimum 55%)
• Desirable: PhD (pursuing/completed), prior experience, publications

Application Process:

• Submit application via email to
• Subject line: Application for Position Applied For
• Attach:
  • CV
  • Reference of previous employment (if any)
  • Statement of Purpose (max 400 words)
  • Writing sample (published/unpublished, preferably sole-authored)

Deadline: 15 April 2026, 11:59 PM

• Only shortlisted candidates will be called for interview
• Selected candidates will be notified via emaili
• No accommodation will be provided

Job Details: Opportunity:

• Work on an ICSSR-funded research project
• Exposure to competition law, digital markets, and policy reform
• Interdisciplinary research involving law, economics, and fieldwork

Stipend/Remuneration:

• Research Associate: 47,000/month (12 months)
• Research Assistant: 37,000/month (12 months)
• Field Investigator: 20,000/month + Travel Allowance

Mode: Offline / Field-based research (with institutional engagement)
Location: Mumbai
Contact: Dr. Anand N. Raut -