Post-doctoral Research Associate

What makes Goldsmiths unique? 

Goldsmiths is a world-renowned university that has a reputation for rigorous and innovative academic work; creativity has long been our hallmark. Academic excellence and imaginative course content combine to make a place where creative minds can thrive. 

About the Department 

MCCS is ranked 12^th in the world (and 2^nd in the UK) for communication and media studies (QS World Rankings by subject 2022) and second in the UK for ‘world leading or internationally excellent research’ (Research Excellence Framework 2021). The Department is also unique in its diversity of approaches to, and articulations of, the disciplinary conjunctures around 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. It is home to a number of recognised research centres, including the Centre for the Study of Global Media and Democracy and the Digital Culture Unit. Website: https://www.gold.ac.uk/media-communications/

About the Role 

The post-doctoral research associate will work on the international project ‘Democracy, AI and Big Tech: Assessing corporate activities in the advancement of Artificial Intelligence in the UK, US and Canada [AIDEMOCRACY]’ led by Prof Lina Dencik and funded by the Transatlantic Platform scheme on Democracy, Governance and Trust, focusing on the UK contribution to the project. The research explores ‘Big Tech’ influence in the spheres of government, policy, media and civil society in key areas of AI strategy, including data centres, intellectual property, and automation. The candidate will be part of a large international team of researchers and will be expected to work collaboratively using qualitative methods, including interviews and discourse analysis, alongside other country-teams. 

Main duties:

• Carry out literature reviews at the intersection of corporate influences on AI strategy and democracy, governance and trust.
• Carry out qualitative research, including discourse analysis and interviews, on the topic of corporate influences on AI strategy. Areas of research may include energy policy, journalism and labour.
• Assist with administrative tasks, including organising project workshops
• Write research for publication
• Collaboration with an international team of researchers
• Communications with both internal and external networks to develop and advance stakeholder engagement with the project
• 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

Benefits

We have generous benefits – an agile working environment, 28 days’ annual leave plus 6 paid closure days (4 at Christmas and 2 at Easter) plus all Bank Holidays, great transport links, a defined benefit pension scheme, support for professional development, and a broad range of wellbeing initiatives such as staff choir, running club, and creative writing classes.

Goldsmiths, University of London is passionate about advancing equality and celebrating diversity.