Lecturer (A or B; level 4 or 5) in Research Methods/ AI Skills

Full Time Fixed Term for 17 months

Part-time (0.6fte+) or Full-Time. 

The University of Southampton invites applications for a Lecturer (A or B, level 4 or 5) from candidates with interests in AI, quantitative research methods, applied statistics, survey methodology and/or (online) data collection methods, and a commitment to excellence in research and education. (The post is also suitable for a research fellow/senior research fellow since no direct teaching responsibilities are required, if not desired.)

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a new UKRI-funded project ‘New approaches to digital skills development (AI skills)’ and with the ESRC-funded National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM, www.ncrm.ac.uk). 

The digital skills project aims to develop skills training in AI methods to deliver an innovative training and capacity building programme that will help to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of digital skills and AI. Work spans across three project themes: 1. Large language models for (survey) research and data usage and analysis, 2. AI in prediction and in polling data; and 3. Use of AI to support environmental sustainability research. The programme leverages the UK-wide partnership model of NCRM.

The current post is for a Lecturer to undertake training and capacity building work and quantitative, cutting-edge research. The post holder will be required to support and lead on the training and capacity building programme, predominately around AI, including engagement and co-production with key project partners and stakeholders across sectors. You will have the opportunity to conduct high-quality research in line with the project’s and/or Centre’s remit. The post also offers a unique opportunity to work with key stakeholders in the UK around AI and in research methods. The postholder will be based in the School of Economic, Social and Political Sciences and will work as part of the NCRM team.

Applications for this position will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Lecturer will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. 

The candidate should have a background in quantitative methods or applied/social statistics. The candidate must show evidence of working independently, excellent organisation skills, team-work abilities, excellent writing skills, and interests and experience in AI and/or quantitative methods, and for level 5 experience in grant writing and/or income generating activities. Experience with survey methodology and/or (online) data collection methods and/or statistical modelling are desirable.  

The current post is until 31^st Oct 2026 (longer if working part-time; also possibility of extension depending on project funding and salary level.) Due to funding, the current contract end date can be no later than 4th April 2027. The post is available on a part-time or full-time basis (minimum 0.6fte). The successful candidate will be expected to start on 4^th August 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. We aim to hold interviews during w/c 7^th July (likely 7^th, 8^th, or 11^th.) 

The employing organisation is the University of Southampton which offers a competitive salary, pension scheme and other benefits. The University of Southampton holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award demonstrating commitment to equal opportunities in the workplace. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. 

For informal enquiries about the post, please feel free to contact:

NCRM Director and Project Lead Prof Gabriele Durrant, g.durrant@soton.ac.uk.

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