Postdoctoral Researcher

The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) is one of Oxford’s largest and most internationally recognised departments, home to around 90 academic staff and a thriving community of researchers and visitors. Ranked the Number One University in the UK for Politics by The Guardian in 2024, the department delivers world‑class teaching and research supported by experienced Professional Services teams working across Courses, Research, Finance, HR and Communications. We are strongly committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, including work towards an Athena Swan Bronze Award, and are based in the Social Sciences Building on Manor Road alongside Economics, Criminology, Socio‑Legal Studies and the Social Science Library.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs

About the Role

We are seeking to appoint up to two Postdoctoral Researchers to join the Social Media Observatory. The postholder will report to Dr Andreu Casas, PI and Director of the Social Media Observatory, funded by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship. The post holders will be members of a research group with responsibility for carrying out research and provide guidance to other junior members of the research group including research assistants, PhD students, and/or project volunteers. The successful candidate is expected to meet at least one of two profiles described in the job description.

About You

You will manage your own academic research and administrative activities and adapt existing and develop new research methodologies and materials. In addition you will prepare working theories and analyse qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining theories as appropriate

You must hold or be close to completion of a relevant PhD/DPhil, together with relevant experience and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes.

This position is full-time and fixed-term for 2 years and available from 1 September 2026.

Application Process

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via the University’s job pages. You will be required to upload a recent CV and supporting statement and 2 writing samples (published or working papers or dissertation chapters). You are also required to arrange for two referees to submit confidential reference letters directly to vacancies@politics.ox.ac.uk by the stated deadline for applications. You will also be asked to state which referees these are on your online application.

Only applications received before 12 noon (UK time) on Tuesday 23 June 2026 can be considered. Please quote reference 186458 in all correspondence.

Interviews are due to take place on Friday 17 July 2026.