University of Oxford Hiring Variable Hours Research Assistant for Digital Lives Project (Apply by 24 August 2026)

The Oxford Internet Institute (OII) at the University of Oxford has opened applications for a Variable Hours Research Assistant position supporting an innovative research project examining the Digital Lives of Care-Experienced Children in the UK. The fixed-term opportunity offers researchers with strong quantitative skills the chance to contribute to a high-impact social science project while working within one of the world’s leading research universities.
The position is ideal for doctoral candidates or early-career researchers with expertise in quantitative social science research, data management, and statistical analysis using Stata.
About the Oxford Internet Institute
The Oxford Internet Institute is a multidisciplinary department within the University of Oxford dedicated to understanding how digital technologies are transforming society. Through world-class research and teaching, the institute explores the social, political, economic, and ethical implications of emerging technologies, producing evidence that informs policy and public debate worldwide.
The successful candidate will join a research team led by Dr. Ekaterina Hertog, contributing to a project investigating the digital experiences of care-experienced children across the United Kingdom.
About the Research Assistant Position
The Variable Hours Research Assistant will provide technical and analytical support for the quantitative component of the Digital Lives of Care-Experienced Children in the UK research project.
Working closely with the research team, the successful applicant will assist in identifying variables across multiple survey waves, constructing analytical datasets, and producing descriptive statistical outputs using Stata.
The role also requires effective communication with university library services and external data providers while supporting broader project objectives.
The appointment is fixed-term until 31 December 2026, averaging 16 hours per week, with the possibility of occasional remote working alongside duties based in Oxford.
Key Responsibilities
The Research Assistant will be expected to:
- Support quantitative analysis for the research project
- Identify relevant variables across multiple survey datasets
- Construct analytical datasets using Stata
- Produce descriptive statistical outputs
- Organize and manage research data
- Liaise with data service providers
- Communicate with university library services
- Assist with research documentation and reporting
- Support ongoing project activities as required
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should possess:
- A doctoral degree or be currently enrolled in a PhD programme
- Background in one of the following disciplines:
- Sociology
- Social Policy
- Demography
- Economics
- Other related social science fields
- Demonstrated quantitative research experience
- Strong proficiency in Stata
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Data visualization and presentation skills
- Ability to work independently and take initiative
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Employment Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Variable Hours Research Assistant |
| Institution | University of Oxford – Oxford Internet Institute |
| Department | Oxford Internet Institute (OII) |
| Research Project | Digital Lives of Care-Experienced Children in the UK |
| Supervisor | Dr. Ekaterina Hertog |
| Contract Type | Fixed-term |
| Contract End Date | 31 December 2026 |
| Working Hours | Average of 16 hours per week |
| Location | Oxford, United Kingdom (occasional remote working available) |
| Salary | Grade 6RS: £35,681–£41,636 per annum (pro rata) |
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following through the University of Oxford online application system:
- Supporting statement demonstrating how they meet the selection criteria
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Names and contact details of two referees
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: 3 August 2026
- Application Deadline: 24 August 2026 at 12:00 pm (UK time)
- Interview Period: Week beginning 7 September 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline, as late submissions cannot be accepted.
Why Apply?
This position provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to a significant research project exploring the intersection of technology and child welfare while gaining experience within one of the world’s leading research institutions.
Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Working with internationally recognised researchers
- Contributing to impactful social science research
- Enhancing quantitative research expertise
- Building experience with complex longitudinal datasets
- Expanding academic and professional research networks
- Gaining valuable experience at the University of Oxford
Researchers with strong quantitative social science backgrounds and an interest in digital technologies, child welfare, and evidence-based policy are encouraged to apply.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.



