At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a groundbreaking project exploring digital technology's impact on European welfare states.
- Company: Goldsmiths, a world-renowned university known for creativity and academic excellence.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, flexible working, and a supportive environment for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding state-tech relations while collaborating with leading researchers.
- Qualifications: PhD in media studies or related fields, with experience in 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 x2 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. The School of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies offers unique opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement and collaboration on groundbreaking research projects, making it an ideal environment for postdoctoral researchers seeking meaningful and impactful work.
Contact Details:
Goldsmiths, University of London Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate x2
✨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 you insider info and maybe even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the project details. Familiarise yourself with the STATETECH project and think about how your skills in qualitative methods can contribute. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It’s a great way to keep your name fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Goldsmiths community. Let’s get you that postdoc position!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate x2
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’re looking for candidates who can bring their unique skills to our team.
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 interviews and ethnography, and how they relate to the project’s goals.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials and can review them properly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Qualitative Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with qualitative methods, particularly ethnography and interviews. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate how you've successfully applied these methods in your previous research.
✨Cultural Context is Key
Brush up on the European welfare regimes and be ready to discuss how your knowledge can contribute to the project. If you have linguistic skills relevant to the project's country settings, make sure to highlight them during the interview.
✨Engage with Their Values
Goldsmiths values creativity and inclusivity, so think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to share how you can contribute to a vibrant and diverse research environment, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
