Digital Harms, Democratic Costs (DHDC) Research Fellow

Fixed Term (- March 2026)

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. 

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.  

The role

We are recruiting for a Research Fellow to deliver on the project "Digital Harms, Democratic Costs (DHDC)". DHDC envisions a more gender-equal and inclusive democratic future where online participation by women and girls is not constrained by fear, reputational harm, or synthetic manipulation by AI tools. DHDC realises this vision with a dual focus on how harmful-but-legal behaviours and AI-mediated distortions individually or in combination shape violence against women and girls in political life online, and prototyping practical, rights-preserving interventions that empower Women MPs, inform policing and justice responses, and strengthen democratic resilience. The selected candidate will help deliver this important project by engaging directly with Women MPs and their staff and through data analysis on public online discourse on UK political topics (e.g., on social media posts). 

The post is currently funded until 31 March 2026, although there may be a further extension, should additional funding become available.

About you

The successful candidate will:

• Hold a PhD in Computer Science or related topic (essential)
• Have proficiency in analysing large data sets (essential), including ideally:
  • social media data (desirable)
  • work on online harms such as hate speech (desirable)
  • AI data (desirable)
• Have an interest in public online discourse, and helping shape a more civic dialogue online

How to apply

To apply please submit your CV and a cover letter via the university website.

Online interviews will be held Monday 15th December.

Appointed candidates will need to demonstrate right to work in the UK.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all.  We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities. All candidates who apply by the deadline will be considered for shortlisting without prejudice.

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