At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct innovative research on AI and Big Tech's impact on democracy and society.
- Company: Goldsmiths, a world-renowned university known for creativity and academic excellence.
- Benefits: Agile working environment, 28 days annual leave, plus paid closure days.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant academic community with a focus on interdisciplinary engagement.
- Why this job: Join a leading research team and make a real difference in understanding AI's societal impact.
- Qualifications: PhD in data science or related fields with experience in digital methods.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
What makes Goldsmiths unique? Goldsmiths is a world-renowned university that has a reputation for rigorous and innovative academic work; creativity has long been our hallmark. Academic excellence and imaginative course content combine to make a place where creative minds can thrive.
About the Department: Goldsmiths’ School of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies is one of the longest established departments for teaching and researching media in the world. Housed in the award-winning Professor Stuart Hall Building, it has an internationally outstanding reputation for creative and radical thinking and practice. We are committed to a vibrant teaching and research programme that combines theory and practice with interdisciplinary engagement with the latest developments in media, communications and cultural studies. The School is currently ranked 18th in the world (and 3rd in the UK) for communication and media studies (QS World Rankings by subject 2026) and second in the UK for research assessed as 3* and 4* - with 96% of our research evaluated as 'world leading or internationally excellent' in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021).
About the Role: The post-doctoral research associate will work on the international project ‘Democracy, AI and Big Tech: Assessing corporate activities in the advancement of Artificial Intelligence in the UK, US and Canada (AIDEMOCRACY)’ led by Prof Lina Dencik and funded by the Transatlantic Platform scheme on Democracy, Governance and Trust. The research explores ‘Big Tech’ influence in the spheres of government, policy, media and civil society in key areas of AI strategy, most notably environmental sustainability. The candidate will use desk-based research, including some digital methods or data science, to collect and visualize data relating to public procurement and investment in AI infrastructure and map social networks across the technology industry and political sphere.
About the Candidate: The successful candidate must have a PhD or equivalent in the area of data science, critical data studies or related fields and must have experience using digital methods for social science research. We are particularly looking for someone engaged with AI strategy and interested in mapping elite and power networks.
Benefits: We have generous benefits – an agile working environment, 28 days’ annual leave plus 6 paid closure days (4 at Christmas and 2 at Easter).
Postdoctoral Research Associate in London employer: Goldsmiths, University of London
Goldsmiths is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and innovative work culture that fosters creativity and academic excellence. As a leading university in media and cultural studies, employees benefit from a supportive environment with ample opportunities for professional growth and interdisciplinary collaboration. Located in the award-winning Professor Stuart Hall Building, staff enjoy a generous benefits package, including agile working arrangements and substantial annual leave, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Goldsmiths, University of London Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Goldsmiths through LinkedIn or academic forums. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the project ‘Democracy, AI and Big Tech’. Show us you understand the nuances of the research and how your skills in data science can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your experience; demonstrate it! Bring examples of your previous work with digital methods or data visualisation to the table. We love seeing how you’ve tackled similar challenges before.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who resonate with our values at Goldsmiths.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role and the research project shine through. We want to see how your interests align with our innovative work at Goldsmiths, especially in areas like AI strategy and digital methods.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We’re looking for someone with a PhD in data science or related fields, so emphasise your academic achievements and any hands-on experience with digital methods.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your experience with social science research and how it relates to the project on AI and Big Tech. We love a good story!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly and can review them promptly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Goldsmiths, University of London
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the AIDEMOCRACY project and its relevance to AI, Big Tech, and democracy. Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in these areas, as well as Goldsmiths' unique approach to media and cultural studies.
✨Showcase Your Digital Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with digital methods and data science. Bring examples of past projects where you've successfully used these skills, especially in social science research, to demonstrate your capability and fit for the role.
✨Engage with Interdisciplinary Thinking
Goldsmiths values creativity and interdisciplinary engagement. Be ready to talk about how your work intersects with other fields and how you can contribute to a vibrant teaching and research programme that combines theory and practice.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the department's current research initiatives and future directions. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if Goldsmiths is the right fit for you.
