Research Fellow Uk Sponsorship Available
Job Description
Grade UE08: £49,559 – £60,907 per annum
Location: School of Social and Political Sciences – Sociology, University of Edinburgh
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Contract: Fixed-term, up to 60 months (no later than 31 August 2030)
About the Opportunity
We are seeking an outstanding researcher to join the University of Edinburgh as the Research Lead for the WARSHARE Project—an ambitious investigation into how digital participation is transforming modern warfare. The project explores how individuals and societies—including militaries and governments—perceive, experience, and engage in conflict through digital means such as messages, images, videos, memes, and emojis.
This post offers a unique opportunity to lead a high-impact, interdisciplinary research programme that applies advanced AI and data science methods to examine the cultural and behavioural dynamics of war in the digital age.
The position is available from 1 September 2025 and will run until no later than 31 August 2030.
Your Role
As the Research Lead, you will:
- Direct and manage Work Package 1: “Participative War, Form and Content”
- Shape and deliver the overarching research strategy for the WARSHARE project
- Oversee day-to-day operations, including team management, budget oversight, and research coordination
- Design and conduct advanced research, including the development and fine-tuning of large language models and topic modelling techniques
- Engage with and support participants, including individuals who may have experienced trauma due to war
- Handle graphic or explicit materials (images, messages, videos) related to violence, human suffering, and conflict
What You’ll Need to Succeed
We are looking for someone with a strong academic and technical background who brings creativity, leadership, and compassion to complex research. The ideal candidate will have:
- A PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (e.g., Artificial Intelligence or Data Science), with skills in:
- Python-based data collection and visualisation
- Applying large language models (LLMs) to analyse both text and images
- Demonstrated success leading and delivering multi-faceted research projects, ideally with public engagement or knowledge exchange components
- Deep understanding of the computational analysis of social media and how warfare is represented and experienced online
- Extensive postdoctoral or equivalent research experience
- Ability to collaboratively plan and execute complex research activities, working with interdisciplinary teams
What We Offer
As a member of the University of Edinburgh, you will benefit from:
- A competitive salary
- A supportive, stimulating, and international academic environment
- Access to an array of staff benefits, including:
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Competitive pension schemes
- Family-friendly policies
- Staff discounts
- Wellbeing initiatives
- Discover more with our staff benefits calculator
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.
To view the full job description and apply, visit the University of Edinburgh Careers Portal.
Informal enquiries may be directed to Professor Andrew Hoskins (Principal Investigator) at:
andrew.hoskins@ed.ac.uk
Closing date for applications: 27 June 2025
Interviews are expected to be held within 2–3 weeks after the closing date.
Applications close at 11:59pm GMT unless otherwise stated.
Additional Information
You must provide evidence of your right to work in the UK before commencing employment.
Read more about right to work requirements
The University can sponsor Skilled Worker visas for this role, subject to meeting Home Office English language and salary criteria.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
The University of Edinburgh proudly holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award and is committed to advancing gender equality. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and are recognised as Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, supporting equality for LGBT+ staff and students.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and encourage a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Be part of a transformative project at the intersection of warfare, society, and technology. Apply today.
