Technical Research Officer - Algorithmic Archive

About the role

The Bodleian Libraries has ambitions to significantly increase its commitment to archiving web-based content, including social media data, algorithms, and other important resources which impact how these materials are generated and experienced. As part of this strategic development, we will soon begin the Research & Scoping Phase of the Algorithmic Archive project, which will research and propose a roadmap for the Libraries’ services in this area. This role is one of two complementary Research Officer roles being recruited to undertake the investigation work required by the project. These roles will work together closely, and as part of the wider Bodleian team.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position, working 37.5 hours per week for 12 months. Working from home will be possible, though some elements of the project’s work may require you to be on Libraries’ premises or elsewhere. The expected start date for this position is 1^st August 2024.

This position is subject to a satisfactory basic Disclosure and Barring Service check.

About you

You will be knowledgeable about social media platforms and able to communicate a passion for documenting contemporary life as reflected in social media and algorithmic data.  In addition, you will be capable of designing, delivering, and documenting the project’s investigations; and of using the project’s research findings to support the practical aims of the project to develop a roadmap for Bodleian services which reflects user and business requirements. You will have strong communication and organization skills; the ability to work independently and in a team; and the potential to contribute to professional networks to support the development of sustainable community standards and approaches.

You will have excellent IT literacy (including an aptitude for learning new technologies and standards), and be able to demonstrate some expertise in techniques, tools and standards applicable to social media data. You will also have knowledge of the legal and ethical context relevant to archiving and research use of social media data. Ideally, you will have some experience of curatorial or collections work.

What we offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

More information is available at hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits

Diversity

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs and supporting statements submitted on their own will not be considered.

Only applications received online by 12:00 midday (BST) on Friday 21^st June 2024 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing Monday 15^th July 2024.

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