Research Associate in Quantitative and Computational Social Science Methods

Job description:

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in Quantitative and Computational Social Science Methods to work with Dr Sara Torsner on the ESRC-funded research project ‘Profiling impunity for human rights violations against journalists: A systematic account of state-based harm and practices of resistance’.

The project will develop an approach to better understand how the causes and consequences of the problem of impunity for human rights violations against journalists is manifest across different societal settings, to inform interventions to more effectively redress impunity and safeguard journalists and their work.

Hosted within the Centre for Freedom of the Media (https://cfom.org.uk/), the project offers the postholder an exciting opportunity for you to join a vibrant research environment and connect with global networks, stakeholder communities and experts on threats to press freedom and journalism.

You will lead on research using quantitative and computational social science methods to analyse the political context of impunity for human rights violations against journalists across diverse country settings.

The role will entail building a database (or datasets) on human rights violations against journalists to analyse their political context and related impunity. This will involve data collection, database development (corpus building), and analysis using quantitative and computational methods to explore the relationship between political indicators (e.g., regime type, political stability, legal frameworks) and violations of journalists' rights.

You should have a doctoral level qualification (PhD), or be near to completion, in a relevant subject area (e.g., Data or Computer Science), that reflects a solid research background and proficiency in Quantitative and/or Computational Social Science Methods (or proven equivalent experience). The postholder will be expected to take a lead on writing and publishing at least one peer-reviewed journal article and disseminate research findings at project and stakeholder meetings, as well as conferences as required.

The post is offered on a 6-month part-time (50%) fixed-term contract from 1 April 2025 (with some flexibility for a later start-date). This is an excellent opportunity to work as part of a supportive research team. The project lead is committed to supporting early career/fixed-term staff with career progression opportunities including, to present and publish research, a budget and time allocated for professional skills development and a research study visit abroad.

For informal discussions about the role please contact Dr Sara Torsner on s.torsner@sheffield.ac.uk.

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