Lecturer in Research Methods / AI Skills

The University of Southampton invites applications for a Lecturer from candidates with interests in AI, quantitative research methods, applied statistics, survey methodology and/or (online) data collection methods, and a commitment to excellence in research and education. This is an exciting opportunity to work on a new UKRI-funded project ‘New approaches to digital skills development (AI skills)’ and with the ESRC-funded National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM).

The digital skills project aims to develop skills training in AI methods to deliver an innovative training and capacity building programme that will help to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of digital skills and AI. Work spans across three project themes:

• Large language models for (survey) research and data usage and analysis,
• AI in prediction and in polling data; and
• Use of AI to support environmental sustainability research.

The programme leverages the UK-wide partnership model of NCRM. The current post is for a Lecturer to undertake training and capacity building work and quantitative, cutting-edge research. The post holder will be required to support and lead on the training and capacity building programme, predominately around AI, including engagement and co-production with key project partners and stakeholders across sectors. You will have the opportunity to conduct high-quality research in line with the project’s and/or Centre’s remit.

The post also offers a unique opportunity to work with key stakeholders in the UK around AI and in research methods. The postholder will be based in the School of Economic, Social and Political Sciences and will work as part of the NCRM team. Applications for this position will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Lecturer will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD.

The candidate should have a background in quantitative methods or applied/social statistics. The candidate must show evidence of working independently, excellent organisation skills, team-work abilities, excellent writing skills, and interests and experience in AI and/or quantitative methods, and, for level 5, experience in grant writing and/or income generating activities. Experience with survey methodology and/or (online) data collection methods and/or statistical modelling are desirable.

The current post is until 31st Oct 2026 with the possibility of an extension depending on project funding. The post is available on a part-time or full-time basis (minimum 0.6fte). The successful candidate will be expected to start 4th August 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. We aim to hold interviews during w/c 7th July (likely 7th, 8th, or 11th.)

The employing organisation is the University of Southampton which offers a competitive salary, pension scheme and other benefits. The University of Southampton holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award demonstrating commitment to equal opportunities in the workplace. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

For informal enquiries about the post, please feel free to contact the NCRM Director and Project Lead Prof Gabriele Durrant. As a university, we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days, we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance, contact Recruitment quoting the job number.