Research Assistant Digital Identity Project

 Goldsmiths

Goldsmiths, University of London is a world-leading centre of educational excellence where ground-breaking research meets innovative teaching and thinking. We're looking for inspiring and talented people to help build on our global reputation while also growing personally in a true learning organisation.

As a college we are working to tackle inequality in all its forms and are working to promote equality on grounds of race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibilities. We are keen to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds who share our commitment to creating an inclusive culture in which all students and staff can thrive.

Information for candidates with disabilities can be found on our Disability & Individual needs page. We are happy to supply information in alternative formats for disabled applicants. Please contact hr-recruitment@gold.ac.uk to make your request.

Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies

Goldsmiths’ Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies is one of the longest established departments for teaching and researching media in the world. Housed in the award-winning Professor Stuart Hall Building, it has an internationally outstanding reputation for creative and radical thinking and practice. We are committed to a vibrant teaching and research programme that combines theory and practice with interdisciplinary engagement with the latest developments in media, communications and cultural studies.  The Department is currently ranked 3^rd in the UK for communication and media studies (QS World Rankings by subject 2024) and second in the UK for research assessed as 3* and 4* - with 96% of our research evaluated as 'world leading or internationally excellent' in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021).

The Department enjoys a diversity of approaches to the teaching and research of  media and culture. It has equal research strengths in media and communications and in cultural studies research, in humanities and social sciences approaches, and in theory- and practice-driven work. Its research and teaching spans a wide range of topics and modes of enquiry – from philosophical studies of technology and human life to sociological investigations of media production and use; from issues of cultural identities, embodiment and becoming to feminist, queer theory and critical race, postcolonial and decolonial studies; from global screen studies and transnational investigations of media and culture to critical (media) ecologies and environmental humanities; from political economic studies of news media and journalism, power, policy and politics to anthropological studies of media as social activism and sociological studies of creative labour in the world of fashion and art. 

See https://www.gold.ac.uk/media-communications/

Summary:

As part of an 18-month British Academy Project entitled ‘Reimagining Digital Identity: towards responsible identity practices with Karen Refugees in Thailand’ (REDID), the Department is looking to appoint a fixed-term 0.7 FTE research assistant. The project, co-led by Professor Mirca Madianou (Goldsmiths, University of London) and Dr Charlie Hill (Chiang Mai University) aims to develop an understanding of responsible digital identity from the point of view of Karen refugees in Thailand and to inform the policy on responsible digital identity systems.  We are seeking to appoint a Research Associate to help with activities scheduled for the final period of the grant, including the organisation of the end-of-award conference on November 7^th 2025.  

Main duties:

• Coordinate the organisation of the end-of-project conference and exhibition in November 2025: liaise with invited speakers and attendees, manage registration process, help with conference logistics (including processing of expenses), exhibition set-up and programme planning.
• Liaise with all project team members to promote the conference both internally and externally and ensure its smooth delivery.
• Support PI with impact reporting activities (retrieve and analyse data, liaise with stakeholders and conference participants).
• Support PI in the preparation of the final project report.
• Liaise with relevant College Departments to ensure the smooth processing of project finances and final reporting.
• Support the project team with data management.
• Update the project website as appropriate.
• Undertake administrative duties to ensure the smooth running of the project.
• Contribute to literature reviews and reporting as reasonably required.
• You will be required to undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required
• Ensure that you are aware of and aligned with Goldsmiths’ Regulations, Strategy, and Objectives to work together to proactively advance Equality and Diversity
• At all times to help maintain a safe working environment by participating in training as necessary and following the Goldsmiths’ Health and Safety Codes of Practice and Policy

We are seeking for a candidate with a master's degree or above in a social science or humanities subject and with previous experience in critical data / AI studies. We are seeking for candidates with excellent organizational and communication skills and with experience of planning and delivering high quality academic events.

Detailed below are the types of qualifications, experience, skills, and knowledge which are required of the post holder. Selection will be made upon evidence of best fit with these criteria.

The Essential criteria sections show the minimum essential requirements for the post, therefore if you cannot demonstrate in your application, you meet the essential criteria categorised below, you will not be invited to interview.

The Desirable criteria sections show additional attributes which would enable the applicant to perform the role more effectively with little or no training.

Summary of Benefits

If you choose to work with us, you’ll become part of a learning organisation that is committed to professional and personal development, with comprehensive and innovative staff development and well-being programmes.

You’ll also have access to frequent lunchtime and evening talks, seminars and performances, and annual performance and development reviews.

Our other benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• Working in Zone 2, with fantastic transport links and interest free travel to work loans
• Excellent annual leave entitlement plus additional closure days at Christmas and Easter
• 3 days of volunteering leave per annum, plus parental and study leave allowance.
• Maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave and pay
• Membership of USS or LPFA pension scheme, dependent upon grade
• Contractual sick pay provision
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, offering 24/7/365 confidential and free advice, support, and information service on a range of personal, family, or work-related matters. 
• Free eye tests
• Cycle to work scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives including the Chaplaincy and Staff Choir
• On-site dining facilities
• Access to University of London facilities such as Senate House Library
• Membership of Staff Diversity Networks: (Dis)Ability, Goldsmiths Race Equality Group, LGBTQ+, Menopause, Parents and Carers, Women at Goldsmiths. (Staff are also encouraged to join networks as Allies should they wish to do so rather than as members)

For more information about Goldsmiths, please visit: www.gold.ac.uk/about

Thank you for your interest in working with us, we wish you all the best with your application.