At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct NLP on social media data and analyse using advanced statistical methods.
- 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 excellent growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on digital belonging and global mobility research.
- 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 (Employ.ed for PhDs) 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.
NLP Intern: Social Media Analytics (PhD/Part-time, Hybrid) employer: The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh offers an exceptional environment for PhD interns, particularly in the School of Health in Social Science, where you can engage in cutting-edge research while enjoying a flexible hybrid working model. With comprehensive staff benefits, including generous leave and a commitment to equality and inclusion, this role not only supports your academic growth but also fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture that values your contributions.
Contact Details:
The University of Edinburgh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NLP Intern: Social Media Analytics (PhD/Part-time, Hybrid)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of NLP and social media analytics. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions related to NLP and social media analysis. Practising your answers will help you feel more confident and ready to impress.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your experience with LIWC and quantitative content analysis. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Don’t miss out on opportunities by applying elsewhere; stick with us for the best chances!
We think you need these skills to ace NLP Intern: Social Media Analytics (PhD/Part-time, Hybrid)
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 perfectly with what we're looking for!
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 project. Let us know what excites you about social media analytics!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your experience with LIWC and quantitative research methodologies. We’re keen to see how you’ve applied these in your studies or previous roles, so give us the details!
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 into our hands quickly and efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your NLP Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Natural Language Processing, especially in relation to social media analytics. Be ready to discuss your experience with LIWC and the Meaning Extraction Method, as these will be key topics during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to talk about your quantitative research methodologies and any relevant projects you've worked on. Highlight how your skills in data analysis can contribute to the project on digital belonging and global mobility.
✨Time Management is Key
Since this is a part-time role, demonstrate your time management skills. Share examples of how you've successfully balanced multiple commitments in the past, and how you plan to manage your time effectively in this internship.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the project and the team. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand if the role is the right fit for you.
