Research Associate in Digging into Digital Footprints Data

Research Associate – Digging into Digital Footprints Data

Apply for the Research Associate in Digging into Digital Footprints Data role at the University of Bristol
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This is an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate (RA) to join an interdisciplinary team spanning Sociology and Computer Science as part of a one-year Accelerator project funded by UKRI Smart Data Research UK.

The Digging into Digital Footprints project aims to create an open framework to help researchers better understand and use ‘digital footprints data’ in social research. As an RA, you will conduct qualitative research on how digital data (web archives, social media, synthetic data) is collected, created, and used in social research, and explore their implications for the field.

• Carry out qualitative research with participants on the opportunities and challenges of working with new forms of digital data in the social sciences.
• Collaborate in developing ‘data journeys’ that map the life cycle of new forms of social data.
• Help build an open empirical framework for describing, re‑using, and working with digital footprints data, including AI‑enabled tools and data.
• Co‑organise workshops with researchers and non‑academic partners.
• Analyse and disseminate qualitative data from these activities.

• A PhD (or nearing completion) in Sociology, Science and Technology Studies, or a related field.
• Good knowledge of digital social science.
• Strong qualitative research skills (interviews, ethnographic methods).
• Experience or knowledge working with digital data/methods, ideally including AI‑driven tools.
• A growing track record of academic publication and conference presentations.
• Commitment to interdisciplinary research across the Social and Computational Sciences and engagement with non‑academic partners.
• Experience or interest in facilitating workshops and events.

• Contact for queries: William Campbell, BDFI Senior Research Administrator – wi

Contract type:
Open ended with fixed funding until 04/01/2027
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Work pattern:
Full time.

Grade: I.

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Sunday 4th January 2026
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