University of Oxford

Oxford, England, United Kingdom

The University of Oxford is recruiting for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant / Research Associate to join the STARPOL research project, focused on the interdisciplinary study of social trust, algorithms, risk, and policy. The role is situated within a leading research environment and contributes to high-impact work examining how algorithmic systems shape decision-making, governance, and societal outcomes.

The postholder will contribute to empirical and theoretical research within computational social science and related interdisciplinary domains. Responsibilities include designing and conducting research studies, managing and analysing complex datasets, supporting academic publications, contributing to policy-relevant outputs, and collaborating with researchers across disciplines. The role also involves participation in project meetings, dissemination activities, and engagement with broader research networks.

The position offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative academic environment, contributing to research that informs public policy and advances understanding of algorithmic systems and societal trust.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in a relevant discipline such as Computer Science, Social Data Science, Statistics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, or a closely related field
• Experience in interdisciplinary research methods is highly desirable
• Strong academic track record in research relevant to algorithms, computational methods, or social science analysis
• Ability to conduct independent research and contribute to collaborative projects
• Experience with quantitative or mixed-methods research is advantageous

Required Expertise/Skills

• Strong analytical and research skills in computational or social science methods
• Experience working with data analysis, statistical modelling, or computational techniques
• Knowledge of algorithmic systems, governance, or policy analysis is desirable
• Proficiency in research tools and programming languages relevant to data analysis (e.g., Python, R, or similar)
• Excellent academic writing and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams
• Experience publishing or contributing to peer-reviewed research outputs

Salary Details

• Research Grade 7 salary scale: £39,424 – £47,779 per annum

Application Deadline

29 May 2026, 12:00 midday

Application Link

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