Postdoctoral Research Fellow

This is an excellent opportunity for two dynamic early career post-doctoral researchers to join an exciting interdisciplinary research project funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI): Infra-Legalities: Global Security Infrastructures, Artificial Intelligence and International Law. This project investigates how AI and automated decision-making (ADM) processes are reshaping global security law and governance, with an empirical focus on three areas: (i) digital bordering infrastructures, (ii) platform governance of terrorist and violent extremist content online, and (iii) counterterrorism watchlisting systems.

These posts are part of a Future Leaders Fellowship project led by Dr. Gavin Sullivan (University of Edinburgh). The project involves academic collaborators from law, computer science, critical security studies, global governance, and legal anthropology, and numerous policy partners from AI and global security-related areas. You will play a leading role in developing critical, interdisciplinary research for this project at Edinburgh Law School, focusing on at least one of the empirical areas outlined above. While a background in law is desirable, it is not essential. Researchers from other social science disciplines – including Science and Technology Studies (STS), Critical Data Studies, Politics/IR, and Critical Security Studies – are also encouraged to apply.

A commitment to data and social justice and advancing the rights of individuals and marginalized groups is important, as is experience in socio-legal or empirical social science research. In this role, you will be supported to deliver an ambitious and impactful research agenda and develop a strong research profile, placing you in a strong position to take the next important step in your academic career.

Edinburgh Law School strives to be a diverse and inclusive research community. Candidates likely to be underrepresented at the University of Edinburgh – including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ people, and first-gen applicants and/or those from working-class backgrounds – are particularly encouraged to apply.

Both posts are full-time (35 hours per week), two-year fixed term posts based at The University of Edinburgh, School of Law. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working. It is envisaged that these roles will involve empirical research and the use of qualitative research methods within and outside the UK. The commencement date is flexible, but we are ideally looking for successful applicants to start in, or before, Summer 2025. The salary for these posts is £40,247 - £42,632 per annum, depending on experience.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• A PhD (or near completion) in Law, Security Studies, STS, Critical Data Studies, or a related discipline and experience in qualitative, socio-legal, or empirical social science research.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and experience of working collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of and interest in the transformative effects of AI and algorithmic security governance and the related questions of social and data justice that these changes provoke.
• Initiative and independence in managing workload, with excellent project management skills.
• A growing track record of producing high-quality and interdisciplinary academic scholarship.

Application Information

Please ensure you include the following documents in your application: Cover Letter, CV, and a one-page document identifying your two strongest publications (which may include work under review or accepted but not published) and explaining why – in your view – these pieces are original and significant.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect an exciting, positive, creative, challenging, and rewarding place to work, where you will be part of a diverse and vibrant international community. You will benefit from a competitive reward package and a range of staff benefits, including generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, flexible working, and much more.

The University of Edinburgh champions equality, diversity, and inclusion. We hold a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are also members of the Race Equality Charter and are Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to employment commencing with the University, you will need to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpage.

Key dates to note:

• The closing date for applications is Friday 28 February 2025.
• The closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT.
• Interviews are expected to be held in mid-late March 2025.

If you have any questions or require further information about these roles, please contact Law.HR@ed.ac.uk. The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.