At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research on digital tech and welfare state transformations across Europe.
- Company: Goldsmiths, a world-renowned university known for creativity and academic excellence.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, flexible working, professional development support, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Inclusive environment committed to diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge project shaping the future of welfare through technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and experience with qualitative research 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 associates will work on the international project ‘State-tech relations in the datafied welfare state: Examining the computational transformation of the European Social Model [STATETECH]’ led by Prof Lina Dencik and funded by an Advanced Grant from the European Research Council. The project explores the relationship between digital technology providers and European welfare states in the context of data-driven innovation. The candidates will co-lead the work package on ‘governmentalities’ that examines shifts in governance and statecraft within public sector bureaucracies across central pillars of the welfare state (e.g. health, education, social protection or housing). The candidates will be expected to work collaboratively using qualitative methods, including ethnography and interviews in different country settings.
About the Candidate: The successful candidate must have a PhD or equivalent in media studies, sociology, anthropology or related fields engaging with critical data studies and must have experience using qualitative methods, including interviews. We are particularly looking for someone with knowledge of European welfare regimes and with relevant linguistic skills for one or more of the project's country settings (UK, Denmark, Germany and Spain). Linguistic skills for alternative country settings that come under the same welfare state traditions (Anglo-Saxon, Nordic, Continental and Mediterranean) will be considered.
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 - State-Tech & Welfare 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 are empowered to thrive in their roles. Located in the award-winning Professor Stuart Hall Building, the School of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies offers unique opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement and collaboration on cutting-edge research projects.
Contact Details:
Goldsmiths, University of London Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate - State-Tech & Welfare
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even casual meet-ups. 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
Don’t be shy about showcasing your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can display your research, projects, and any relevant work. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Ace the Interview
When you get that interview, prepare like it’s the final exam! Research the department and the project thoroughly, and think about how your skills align with their goals. We want you to walk in confident and ready to impress!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance at landing the role. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you in front of the right people. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate - State-Tech & Welfare
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for media studies and the project shine through. We want to see how your interests align with our innovative approach at Goldsmiths.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in qualitative methods and knowledge of European welfare regimes. We love seeing how your background fits into our unique research environment.
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 skills and experiences that relate to the project, and don’t forget to mention any linguistic abilities!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials and can review them properly. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Goldsmiths, University of London
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the project ‘State-tech relations in the datafied welfare state’. Familiarise yourself with the key concepts, especially around governance and statecraft. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also understand its significance.
✨Showcase Your Qualitative Skills
Since the role involves qualitative methods like ethnography and interviews, be ready to discuss your past experiences using these techniques. Prepare specific examples of how you've applied these methods in your research and what insights you gained from them.
✨Brush Up on European Welfare Regimes
Given the focus on European welfare states, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of different welfare regimes. Be prepared to discuss how digital technology impacts these systems, and if you have linguistic skills relevant to the project's country settings, make sure to highlight them!
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires collaborative work, so think about times when you’ve successfully worked in a team. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve contributed to group projects, especially in interdisciplinary settings, as this aligns with the department's ethos.
