Research Assistants x 3, ConflictNet

Internal Applicants Only

Deadline: 12 July 2023

Dr Nicole Stremlau is looking for three research assistants to join the ERC ConflictNet project on the politics and practice of social media in conflict. This project has a strong focus on Africa and the global south but all three opportunities require a global perspective.   

We propose to appoint three RAs that will assist with research, literature reviews and grant applications around three areas:

(RA1) Anticipatory Action in Conflict and Migration.  The ConflictNet project has been conducting research on how digital technologies, including AI and big data analytics, can be leveraged to prepare for future shocks that may cause humanitarian catastrophes. The RA will contribute to research examining the ethics around Anticipatory Action, specifically related to conflict and migration, including the implications of datafication of vulnerable and marginalized communities and the potential of anticipatory action to address large-scale human rights violations. 

(RA2) Government decision-making on addressing mis/disinformation.  The RA will contribute to ongoing research around internet shutdowns and government responses to online hate speech and mis/disinformation, with a focus on peripheral markets for social media companies. The RA will support a needs assessment, the development of resources, and grant applications.

(RA3) Politics of AI and Social Media Regulation. The RA will contribute to ongoing research on the politics (both domestic and international) of social media and AI regulations. A focus will be on trends in the EU and the EU as an international norm-setter.

When applying please identify which area you prefer to work on. 

Duration and hours

Working hours: a total of up to 290 hours per research assistant across the duration of the project, to be agreed with the project supervisor.

Start date: 14 July 2023

Date by which the work must be completed: 31 January 2024

The hours and duration for this work will entail the Research Assistant exceeding for a limited time the Law Faculty's usual limit of 8 hours per week for graduate students. The Research Assistant, unless exempt from these restrictions, must therefore ensure that they are able to undertake this work without exceeding a reasonable average of 8 hours per week across the academic year and across all projects.

Reporting

The Research Assistants will report to Nicole Stremlau.

Requirements

In addition to match with the specific RA role applied for, the following requirements are essential/desirable:

• Excellent writing skills are essential.
• Experience of empirical research is desirable.
• An understanding of the funding landscape for this research would be desirable. 

The work can be done in any place in the UK where you have access to a good library and internet. Meetings with the PI/team members will be held in-person in Oxford or held online.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to current graduate students at the University of Oxford.

It is expected that the work will be undertaken in the UK. 

Rate of Pay

The work will be paid at £17.02 per hour (including the exceptional non-consolidated uplift for 2022-23), which equates to University Grade 6, point 1, on the basis of completed and approved timesheets, which must be submitted to payroll@law.ox.ac.uk by the last Friday of each calendar month for payment on the last working day of the following month.

In addition, paid annual leave will be assumed to be taken in the month in which it was accrued.

Funding

This opportunity is funded by the ERC ConflictNet project (CXR00100).

How to Apply

A short CV and cover letter (including the name of your supervisor) should be sent by email to Nicole.stremlau@csls.x.ac.uk by 12 July 2023. Please explain how you meet the requirements for the role and give details of your availability. Supervisors may be asked for a reference. 

Enquiries about the project are welcome and may be addressed to Nicole Stremlau. General queries, e.g. about the appointment process, or eligibility, may be addressed to research@law.ox.ac.uk.