Research Associate in Computational Social Science

We seek to appoint a Research Associate on a full-time appointment for 24 months to join the Computational Social Science training team of the UK Data Service (UKDS), based at the Cathie Marsh Institute. The post will start on the 1st of April 2025. Two part-time candidates working on a job share could also be considered.

This team specialises in upskilling social scientists in computationally intensive research methods such as machine learning, text-mining, synthetic data creation and interactive visualisations. The upskilling takes place through live training sessions (online and in-person), asynchronous learning materials and other formats such as drop-in sessions, live coding demonstrations etc. We are seeking someone with computational social science expertise to:

1. contribute to an UKRI-funded project led by UKDS staff to upskill global data service staff in computational social science.
2. contribute to the UKDS computational social science training programme.

There will be the opportunity for you to conduct your own research using computational social science as part of your role, but the majority of your time will be spent on preparing and delivering training. You will work closely with senior staff leading the programme of training and research work and with other staff employed to deliver training within the UKDS.

This project aims to understand the current computational skills capacity of global data services staff as well as to explore and better understand how training can upskill those staff and fill knowledge gaps. This will involve:

• creating asynchronous learning materials on computational social science topics based on the results of focus groups with global data service staff.
• developing a community of practice around usage of the asynchronous learning materials.
• analysis of data from focus groups, surveys, and interviews with global data service staff.
• writing up the research outcomes for reports, conference presentations and journal articles.
• presenting the research outcomes at conferences.
• storing the resulting data confidentially.
• leading on writing the final project report.
• other related duties as needed.

This will involve:

• Developing, organising and delivering training in a variety of formats (e.g. online materials, events, drop-ins, live coding demonstrations) on a variety of computational social science topics.
• Developing further skills in computational social science in order to transfer knowledge via the UK Data Service training programme.
• Working with senior stakeholders and others working in the field.
• Other related duties as needed.

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working - you can find out more here.

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV's submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Name: Jools Kasmire

Email: j.kasmire@manchester.ac.uk

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

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