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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to analyse online counter-narratives and develop innovative research methodologies.
- Company: University of Exeter, a leading institution in humanities and social sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave policies, and support for career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the field of computational social science while pursuing your passions.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in data science and online subcultures required.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with diverse voices and excellent growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43482 - 60842 £ per year.
The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in the Natural Freedom project investigating online counter-narratives in the UK. This ESRC funded post is available from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. The successful applicant will be responsible for data scraping and quantitative data analysis.
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in computational social science or (social) data science and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the study of online subcultures, their dynamics, and conspiratorial narratives to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively.
Applicants will be able to develop web scraping scripts in the Python programming language and implement Natural Language Processing (NLP) models and other forms of quantitative/computational data analysis of the collected online content, build websites, write and publish academic articles.
What we can offer you:
- Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
- Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly;
- An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development;
- Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;
- A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;
- A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment:
We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.
Further information:
For further information please contact Susannah Crockford, e-mail. The closing date for completed applications is 12 February 2026 at midnight. Interviews are expected to take place on 26 February 2026. The starting salary will be from £43,482 on Grade F, depending on qualifications and experience.
Postdoctoral Researcher in Exeter employer: University of Exeter
Contact Detail:
University of Exeter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Researcher in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your academic contacts and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend conferences or seminars related to your field; you never know who might be hiring or have leads on positions.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your data scraping projects and any relevant research you've done. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table, especially in computational social science.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions in your field. Be ready to discuss your experience with Python and NLP models, as well as how you approach collaborative research. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Researcher in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start writing, make sure to read the job description and person specification carefully. This will help us understand exactly what the University of Exeter is looking for in a Postdoctoral Researcher and tailor your application accordingly.
Showcase Your Relevant Experience: Highlight your PhD or equivalent experience in computational social science and data analysis. We want to see how your background aligns with the Natural Freedom project, so be specific about your skills in web scraping and NLP.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for the hiring team to see your strengths.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the University of Exeter team.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Exeter
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Natural Freedom project and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the methodologies used in online counter-narratives, as well as any recent findings in computational social science. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Off Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with Python programming, web scraping, and Natural Language Processing (NLP). Bring examples of scripts you've developed or projects you've worked on that highlight your quantitative data analysis skills. This will give the interviewers confidence in your technical abilities.
✨Collaborative Spirit is Key
Since the role involves working collaboratively, think of examples from your past where you successfully worked in a team. Be ready to discuss how you handle differing opinions and contribute to group dynamics. This will showcase your ability to fit into their collaborative environment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful ones that reflect your interest in the project and the university's research goals. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the role aligns with your career aspirations.
