At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct Natural Language Processing on social media data for exciting research projects.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh's School of Health in Social Science.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and tailored career support.
- Other info: Part-time role with hybrid working options and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in understanding online communities while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a PhD in Computing, Linguistics, or Psychology with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 34000 £ per year.
We are looking for a part-time (0.26 FTE, 9 hours per week) ‘Natural Language Processing of Social Media Posts’ Intern for a fixed-term period from 1st August 2026 until 31st December 2026 within the Clinical and Applied Psychology department. The post-holder will be located at the School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh.
This is an exciting opportunity for a part-time PhD intern to join Principal Investigators (PI) Dr Laura Cariola on the BA/Leverhulme project “Digital Belonging and Global Mobility: Natural Language Processing to Explore Third Culture Individuals’ Use of Online Communities”. Applications are invited from those who are pursuing a PhD in Computing, Linguistics, or Psychology, or a related discipline.
The primary responsibility of the post-holder will be conducting Natural Language Processing of a social media data set using the Linguistic Inquiry Word Count (LIWC) with the Meaning Extraction Method requiring advanced statistical analysis.
Your skills and attributes for success:
- Pursuing a PhD in Computing, Linguistics, or Psychology, or a related discipline.
- Experience of quantitative content analysis using LIWC; ideally also experience of the Meaning Extraction Method.
- Experience of quantitative research methodologies of social media data.
- Excellent skills with time management, problem solving, organisation, and communication.
This post is part-time (9 hours per week). We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.
As an Employ.ed for PhDs intern, you will receive tailored developmental support from the Careers Service to help you make the most of your internship.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.
Equal Opportunity: Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work web pages.
Interview Details: Interviews will be held on 15th June 2026.
‘Natural Language Processing of Social Media Posts’ Intern (Employ.ed for PhDs) employer: The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh offers a dynamic and supportive environment for PhD interns, particularly in the School of Health in Social Science. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from comprehensive staff perks, including generous leave, a defined benefits pension scheme, and flexible working options. This role not only provides valuable research experience but also access to tailored developmental support from the Careers Service, making it an excellent opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Contact Details:
The University of Edinburgh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ‘Natural Language Processing of Social Media Posts’ Intern (Employ.ed for PhDs)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of Natural Language Processing or social media research. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the latest trends in NLP and social media analysis. Being able to discuss current topics will show your passion and knowledge, making you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you get comfortable with common questions and refine your answers, boosting your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace ‘Natural Language Processing of Social Media Posts’ Intern (Employ.ed for PhDs)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience with Natural Language Processing and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills fit into our exciting project!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this internship and how your PhD work aligns with our research. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for our team.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your experience with LIWC and quantitative content analysis. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we see those skills front and centre in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on Natural Language Processing concepts, especially the Linguistic Inquiry Word Count (LIWC) and the Meaning Extraction Method. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a knowledgeable one.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with quantitative content analysis and social media data. Bring examples of past projects or research where you've applied these skills, as this will demonstrate your practical knowledge and ability to contribute to the team.
✨Time Management is Key
Since this role is part-time, be ready to discuss how you manage your time effectively. Share strategies you use to balance your PhD work with other commitments, as this will highlight your organisational skills and reliability.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the project and the team. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can fit into their research goals. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.
