At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to analyse language and behaviours of far-right groups using innovative methodologies.
- Company: Lancaster University, a top-ranked research institution in a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fixed term position with excellent living standards near the beautiful Lake District.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social issues while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD in computational linguistics or related field; data science and NLP skills required.
The predicted salary is between 39906 - 46049 £ per year.
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full-Time/Indefinite with End Date)
Closing Date: Friday 26 June 2026
Interview Date: Wednesday 15 July 2026
Reference: 0334-26
We are looking to appoint a highly motivated and resilient individual, with excellent communication skills, the capacity to work collaboratively as part of a team and the ability to solve problems creatively to join us as a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) within the group of Dr Isobelle Clarke in the ESRC Centre for Corpus Approaches to Social Science in Linguistics and English Language.
This position is funded by the UKRI Future Leader's Fellowship scheme. The successful applicant will join a team of researchers based in Lancaster University working on the project "A Multi-Dimensional Understanding of the Digital Far Right".
The Project Has Three Core Aims:
- To systematically identify how the language and behaviours of far right groups vary (what linguistic features and repertoires they share and how the most high risk content compares).
- To develop an innovative methodology to allow for (1).
- To provide training of (1) and (2) to law enforcement.
You should hold a PhD in computational linguistics or a relevant field (or have submitted with a scheduled viva date). You should also have a background in data science, especially natural language processing, expertise in how to scrape data from the web, and a critical, academic interest in studying the far right. Some background with machine learning, automatic feature recognition, multivariate statistical techniques, sparse data, and zero-inflation methods would be an advantage.
This is a fixed term position at 1.0 FTE for a period of 48 months.
Lancaster University is highly ranked and research-led and situated near the historic city of Lancaster. The North West of England offers high standards of living, beautiful countryside, including the Lake District, and excellent national and international transport connectivity.
For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Isobelle Clarke, Lecturer in Security and Protection Science; UKRI Future Leaders Fellow i.clarke@lancaster.ac.uk
Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based. The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues. We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.
Senior Research Associate – Computational Linguist - 0334-26 in Burnley employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in research. With a strong commitment to diversity and employee wellbeing, the university provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development, all set against the backdrop of the picturesque North West of England, which boasts stunning landscapes and excellent transport links.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate – Computational Linguist - 0334-26 in Burnley
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Lancaster University, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Lancaster University. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate – Computational Linguist - 0334-26 in Burnley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Lancaster University. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Lancaster University. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Lancaster University. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Lancaster University to drive research projects forward.
