At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct Natural Language Processing on social media data for exciting research projects.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh, a world-class institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and comprehensive staff benefits.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for hybrid working and tailored career support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a PhD in Computing, Linguistics, or Psychology with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 29588 - 33951 € per year.
Grade UE05: 29,588 – 33,951 per annum pro-rata
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences / School of Health in Social Science
Part-time: 9 hours per week
Fixed-term: from 1st August 2026 until 31st December 2026
We are looking for a part-time 0.26 FTE (9 hours per week) Intern for a fixed-term period from the 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.
The Opportunity:
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. It is anticipated that the primary responsibility of the post-holder will be conducting Natural Language Processing of a social media data set. The primary software will be 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 the 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.
How to apply:
Please include the following documents in your application:
- CV
- Cover letter
- Reference from your PhD supervisor
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- 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.
Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion:
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from individuals with a third culture background, as we acknowledge they are currently underrepresented in our area at this level.
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 webpages.
Key dates to note:
- The closing date for applications is 1st June 2026. Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm (UK time).
- Interviews will be held on 15th June 2026.
‘Natural Language Processing of Social Media Posts’ Intern (Employ.ed for PhDs) in Edinburgh employer: University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. As part of the Clinical and Applied Psychology department, you will engage in meaningful research while benefiting from tailored developmental support and a competitive salary, all within a world-class academic environment. Join us to be part of a diverse community where your contributions are valued and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ‘Natural Language Processing of Social Media Posts’ Intern (Employ.ed for PhDs) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your professors, classmates, or even alumni who are in the field. They might have insider info on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to Natural Language Processing and social media analysis. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio of your projects, especially those involving LIWC or quantitative research. This will give you an edge and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the team you'll be working with.
We think you need these skills to ace ‘Natural Language Processing of Social Media Posts’ Intern (Employ.ed for PhDs) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for Natural Language Processing and how your PhD aligns with the project. Keep it engaging and personal, showing us why you’re the perfect fit for this role.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your relevant skills and experiences, especially those related to LIWC and quantitative research methodologies. We want to see how your background makes you an ideal candidate for this internship.
Get a Strong Reference:A reference from your PhD supervisor can make a big difference. Choose someone who knows your work well and can vouch for your skills in research and analysis. A glowing recommendation can really help us see your potential!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on Natural Language Processing concepts, especially the LIWC and Meaning Extraction Method. Familiarise yourself with recent research in the field and be ready to discuss how your skills align with the project’s goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your PhD work or previous projects that demonstrate your experience with quantitative content analysis and social media data. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to show your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the project, the team, and the University’s approach to research. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Focus on your communication skills, as they are crucial for this role, especially when discussing complex topics.
