At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct innovative research on AI and Big Tech's influence in democracy.
- Company: Goldsmiths, a world-renowned university known for creativity and academic excellence.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, flexible working, and professional development support.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge project exploring AI's impact on society and policy.
- 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) plus all Bank Holidays, great transport links, a defined benefit pension scheme, support for professional development and a broad range of wellbeing initiatives such as staff choir, running club and creative writing classes.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion: At Goldsmiths, University of London, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion shape how we lead, learn, and work. We are committed to building an inclusive and respectful environment, removing barriers and addressing inequalities so that everyone in our community can belong and thrive.
Postdoctoral Research Associate employer: Goldsmiths, University of London
Goldsmiths, University of London, is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, encouraging creativity and academic excellence. With generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave, professional development support, and a commitment to equality and diversity, employees thrive in an environment that values innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Located in the award-winning Professor Stuart Hall Building, the School of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies offers unique opportunities for postdoctoral researchers to engage with cutting-edge projects in a supportive and dynamic setting.
Contact Details:
Goldsmiths, University of London Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Goldsmiths, especially in the School of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies. A friendly chat can give us insights into the culture and expectations, plus it might just get your name on their radar.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your experience with digital methods and data science. We want to see how you can contribute to the AIDEMOCRACY project, so make it engaging and relevant!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for the interview by rehearsing answers to common questions about AI strategy and social networks. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Postdoctoral Research Associate role. Highlight your experience in data science and digital methods, and show how your skills align with the project on AI and Big Tech.
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for the research area! Share any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your interest in AI strategy and mapping power networks. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about their work.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your materials and can consider you for this exciting opportunity at Goldsmiths.
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 recent developments in these areas, as well as how your own research aligns with the goals of the project.
✨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 Goldsmiths' Values
Goldsmiths prides itself on creativity and interdisciplinary engagement. Be ready to articulate how your approach to research embodies these values and how you can contribute to the vibrant academic community they foster.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview that reflect your interest in the department and the role. This could include inquiries about collaboration opportunities or how the department supports innovative research practices.
