Job Description

The role

------------


This is an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate (RA) to join an interdisciplinary team (crossing Sociology and Computer Science) as part of a one-year Accelerator project for UKRI Smart Data Research UK (https://www.sdruk.ukri.org). The Digging into Digital Footprints project aims to create an open framework to help researchers better understand and use 'digital footprints data' in social research. The RA will be responsible for carrying out qualitative research into how forms of digital data (e.g. web archives, social media, and emerging forms of 'synthetic data') are collected and created in several empirical cases, and critically, their implications for social research. The RA will collaborate with project colleagues in the development and analysis of 'data journeys' and an open framework for working with new sources of social data, including data generated through AI-enabled tools/models. The role will include responsibilities organising hands-on workshops with academics and non-academic partners and developing academic outputs (presentations, publication).



The RA will be based in Sociology at the University of Bristol and benefit from a dynamic and supportive research environment for the digital social sciences, being part of the

Bristol Digital Futures Institute

and the

ESRC Centre for Sociodigital Futures

at UoB, as well as working directly with another RA and project collaborators at the

Web Science Institute

(University of Southampton).

What will you be doing?

---------------------------


Carrying out qualitative research with participants on the opportunities and challenges of working with new forms of digital data in the social sciences. Collaborating in the development of 'data journeys' on the life cycle (collection, creation, use) of new forms of social data. Collaborating in the creation of an open, empirical framework for describing, re-using and working with digital footprints data in the social sciences, including AI-enabled tools and data. Co-organising workshops with researchers working with these data. Collaborating in the analysis and dissemination of qualitative data captured as part of the above activities.




The successful applicant will be supported in developing experience in interdisciplinary research and establishing a strong research profile including: opportunities for research publication/dissemination, access to senior researchers and connected networks, and strong links to BDFI, CenSoF and WSI.

You should apply if

-----------------------


A PhD (or nearing completion) in a relevant field (e.g. Sociology, Science and Technology Studies). Good knowledge of digital social science. Strong qualitative research skills (interviews, ethnographic approaches). Knowledge and/or experience working with digital data/methods in the social sciences, ideally including working knowledge of AI-driven tools and data. Emerging track record in academic publication, including conference presentations. Commitment to interdisciplinary research across the Social and Computational Sciences and working with non-academic partners. Experience or interest in facilitating workshops and events.

Additional information

--------------------------

For i

nformal

queries about the role please contact either:

Jessica Ogden (PI/Line Manager) -

jessica.ogden@bristol.ac.uk

William Campbell (BDFI Senior Research Administrator) -

william.campbell@bristol.ac.uk

Contract type: Open ended with Fixed Funding until 04/01/2027

Work pattern: Full time

Grade: I

Salary:

39,906 - 44,746 per annum

This advert will close

at

23:59 UK time

on Sunday 4th January 2026

Our strategy and mission

----------------------------


We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an

inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential.

We want

to attract, develop, and retain individuals

with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives - particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.


JOB NUMBER

ACAD108402

CONTRACT TYPE/WORK PATTERN

Open ended / Full time

POSTING END DATE

04 Jan 2026

FACULTY/DIVISION

Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences

SALARY

39,906 - 44,746 per annum