Variable Hours Research Assistant

Location: 34 St Giles, Oxford OX1 3LD - with planned move to Schwarzman Centre in September 2025 

Salary: Grade 06S: £34,982- £40,855 per annum pro rata 

The Oxford Internet Institute—founded in 2001—is a multidisciplinary research and teaching department of the University of Oxford, dedicated to the social science of the Internet.  

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford to work as a Variable Hours Research Assistant for Prof. Kathryn Eccles.  This is a variable-hours, fixed-term role, starting from approximately mid June 2025 to early October 2025. 

You will join a research project examining the question of how AI has intruded into the work of creative professionals, and the extent to which systems of professional gatekeeping, creative peer review, categorisation, and valorisation have been affected by new AI tools and practices. This post will focus on ethnographic work, qualitative data analysis (content analysis of text, visual analysis of images), and survey design/analysis. 

It is expected the successful candidate will work up a total of 111 hours which will be variable and mutually agreed from time-to-time with the supervisor.   

You will be based at 34 St Giles, Oxford, but you may be able to agree a pattern of regular remote working in the UK with your line manager. With planned move to new premises at the Schwarzman Centre in September 2025.  

The successful candidate will: 

• Manage their own research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by PI
• Contribute to the design of research materials and make arrangements for data gathering
• Gather, analyse, and present qualitative data from a variety of sources
• Undertake comprehensive and systematic literature reviews and write up the results for publication in peer-reviewed journals or for presentation at conferences or meetings
• Contribute to research publications, book chapters and reviews
• Contribute to discussions and share research findings with colleagues
• Contribute to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects 

Those seeking to apply should hold an MSc in a Social Science subject or related area, have experience with qualitative research methods, including digital ethnography and have a documented interest in researching AI and cultural work.  

If you would like to discuss this role, please contact Prof. Kathryn Eccles at kathryn.eccles@oii.ox.ac.uk and include “[RA]” at the start of the email subject field. Further details about the post are found in the Job Description provided.   

You will be required to upload a supporting statement, setting out how you meet the selection criteria, curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application.  Permission will be sought from candidates at interview stage before requesting.  

Strictly only online applications received before noon UK TIME on 28 May 2025 can be considered.  

Interviews are expected to take place on week commencing 9 June 2025.  

Committed to equality and valuing diversity 

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