At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research on child online safety and develop actionable insights for governments.
- Company: Join the Blavatnik School of Government, a leader in global public policy.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in protecting children online while collaborating with experts.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree and experience in digital policy, especially child online safety.
The predicted salary is between 39424 - 43984 € per year.
About the Blavatnik School of Government
Our vision is of a world better led, a world better served and a world better governed. We are a global school committed to improving the quality of government and public policymaking worldwide, through three routes: teaching current and future leaders; generating research with impact; and engaging with governments and practitioners.
What we offer
- The School is a collaborative, friendly, and dynamic department based in an award-winning building in Oxford.
- We host regular events and talks with well-known guest speakers – all of which are open to staff.
- On the social side, we have regular coffee/cake mornings for staff, a family‑friendly Halloween event, and Christmas and summer parties.
- As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
- 38 days’ annual leave
- Family leave schemes and a comprehensive range of childcare services
- Cycle loan scheme and discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
- Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
- Opportunities for hybrid working
About the Role
The Oxford Programme for Cyber and Technology Policy (OxCTP) is seeking to recruit a variable hours Senior Research Associate to support the programme. You will contribute to the following project: Child Online Safety: Coordinating a newly‑launched 18‑month research initiative, in partnership with the Oxford Internet Institute (OII), to identify and track replicable international policies for protecting children online, supported by the MacArthur Foundation.
Reporting to the Co‑Directors of OxCTP, including Professor Ciaran Martin and Dr. Brianna Rosen, you will translate multidisciplinary research into actionable insights for governments in collaboration with OxCTP team members and affiliates. You will independently conduct substantive research tasks, including data collection, analysis, and structured interviews, and draft material to help develop a pilot policy tracker for online child safety, modelled on the School’s successful COVID‑19 tracker. You will also provide guidance to junior members of the research group, including research assistants, PhD students, and/or project volunteers. This post is fixed‑term until 31 March 2027, and on a variable hours basis (up to 20 hours per week).
About You
You must hold a postgraduate degree, together with significant relevant work experience and sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline. You should have demonstrated experience in digital policy and regulation, specifically regarding child online safety or public sector preparedness; a demonstrated record of advising non‑technical stakeholders on technical topics; and previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations on online child safety. The ability to conduct postgraduate-level research in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related field, and the ability to distil technical concepts into academic and/or policy writing are also essential.
Salary (£): Grade 7 Researcher: £39,424 - £43,984 p.a., depending on experience. Pro‑rata for variable hours appointments.
Senior Research Associate (Oxford Programme for Cyber and Technology Policy) - variable hours employer: Corehr
The Blavatnik School of Government is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and dynamic work environment in the heart of Oxford. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave, family leave schemes, and opportunities for hybrid working. Our vibrant culture includes regular social events and access to a variety of clubs, making it an ideal place for those looking to contribute to impactful research while enjoying a supportive community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate (Oxford Programme for Cyber and Technology Policy) - variable hours
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the field! Attend events, join online forums, and reach out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences and how they relate to the role. We want to see your passion for child online safety and how your background makes you the perfect fit for the Senior Research Associate position.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Understand the Blavatnik School of Government's mission and how your work aligns with their goals. We recommend practising common interview questions and preparing some thoughtful questions to ask them too.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate (Oxford Programme for Cyber and Technology Policy) - variable hours
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Research Associate role. Highlight your experience in digital policy and child online safety, as well as any relevant research you've conducted. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at the Blavatnik School of Government!
Showcase Your Research Skills:Since this role involves conducting substantive research tasks, be sure to emphasise your research capabilities. Include examples of data collection, analysis, and any publications or presentations you've contributed to. We love seeing how you can translate complex topics into actionable insights!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point, so make sure your skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join a dynamic department!
How to prepare for a job interview at Corehr
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in digital policy and child online safety. Familiarise yourself with the Oxford Programme for Cyber and Technology Policy and its recent projects. Being able to discuss specific initiatives or publications will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive into your understanding of cybersecurity, data analysis, and policy development. Be ready to explain complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous research experiences, especially those related to child online safety. Highlight any methodologies you've used, challenges you've faced, and how your findings have impacted policy or practice.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, this is a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the school’s vision. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.