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

University of South Hampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Southampton is seeking a Lecturer to contribute to capacity building in AI methods and undertake cutting-edge quantitative research. This role offers collaboration opportunities and the chance to lead training programs aimed at enhancing digital skills in the UK. Candidates should possess a relevant PhD and have a strong background in statistics and quantitative research methods.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Athena SWAN Silver Award holder

Flexible working and work-life balance support

Qualifications

• Background in quantitative methods or applied/social statistics.
• Evidence of working independently and strong writing skills.
• Experience in grant writing and income-generating activities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support and lead training and capacity building programme in AI.
• Conduct high-quality research aligned with project goals.
• Engage with key project partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Quantitative methods

Applied statistics

Survey methodology

AI

Online data collection methods

Statistical modelling

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

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

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. The project spans three themes:

1. Large language models for (survey) research and data analysis
2. AI in prediction and polling data
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 conduct quantitative, cutting-edge research. The post holder will support and lead the training and capacity building programme, primarily 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 aligned with the project’s and/or Centre’s remit. The post also offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with key stakeholders in the UK around AI and 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 are welcome from candidates working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD. The title of Lecturer will be awarded upon successful PhD completion.

The candidate should have a background in quantitative methods or applied/social statistics. Evidence of working independently, excellent organization skills, teamwork abilities, and strong writing skills are required. Interests and experience in AI and/or quantitative methods are essential, along with Level 5 experience in grant writing and/or income-generating activities. Experience with survey methodology, online data collection methods, and/or statistical modelling is desirable.

The position is funded until 31st October 2026, with the possibility of extension depending on funding. It is available on a part-time or full-time basis (minimum 0.6 FTE). The successful candidate is expected to start on 4th August 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. Interviews are likely during the week commencing 7th July.

The University of Southampton offers a competitive salary, pension scheme, and other benefits. The university holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award and is committed to equal opportunities. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

For informal enquiries, please contact Prof Gabriele Durrant at [e-mail].

We promote an inclusive environment supporting flexibility and work-life balance. For assistance, contact Recruitment at [phone] or [e-mail]. Apply by 11:59 pm GMT on the closing date.