The University of Bristol is recruiting a Research Associate in Digital Politics and Data Systems. The role offers a salary of up to £50,253 and the opportunity to work on a major Africa-focused democracy research project.
Overview
If you’re passionate about data science, politics, artificial intelligence, and social impact, this new opportunity at the University of Bristol could be worth exploring.
The University of Bristol is currently seeking a Research Associate in Digital Politics and Data Systems to join the Political Parties in Africa and Democracy (PPADEM) project, a major European Research Council-funded initiative examining how political parties shape democratic progress and decline across Africa.
The successful candidate will work alongside political scientists and data experts, helping to build large-scale digital research infrastructure while contributing to one of the most ambitious studies of political parties ever conducted on the African continent.
With a salary of up to £50,253 per year and opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, this role offers an exciting pathway for researchers interested in data science, computational methods, governance, and African politics.
About the Position
The position is based within the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies (SPAIS) at the University of Bristol and is delivered in partnership with the Jean Golding Institute for Data and AI.
The project explores how political parties influence democratic development across Africa through extensive data collection, analysis, and research.
As part of the team, the Research Associate will help design and maintain data systems capable of collecting and analysing large volumes of information from social media platforms and political datasets.
The role combines technical expertise with real-world social research, making it ideal for candidates who want to apply advanced data science skills to important political and societal questions.
What Will You Gain?
Beyond a competitive salary, the role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to internationally recognized research while developing advanced technical and academic expertise.
Benefits include:
- Annual salary ranging from £43,482 to £50,253
- Opportunity to work on a prestigious European Research Council-funded project
- Collaboration with leading political scientists and data scientists
- Experience working with large-scale social media and political datasets
- Exposure to cutting-edge AI and computational research methods
- Opportunities to contribute to research publications and reports
- Involvement in interdisciplinary research collaborations
- Professional development through data science training initiatives
- Potential opportunities for postgraduate teaching and supervision
- Access to one of the UK’s leading research universities
What Will the Successful Candidate Do?
The selected candidate will play a key role in developing and managing data infrastructure that supports the project’s research objectives.
Key responsibilities include:
- Building automated systems for collecting and managing large datasets
- Working with data from Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and other sources
- Developing scalable data warehouse solutions
- Supporting cross-country and cross-party political analysis
- Ensuring compliance with GDPR and ethical data standards
- Implementing FAIR data principles throughout the research process
- Producing technical documentation and research outputs
- Supporting interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers and data scientists
- Contributing to reports, publications, and analytical outputs
Who Should Apply?
This position is designed for professionals who enjoy working with data-intensive systems and applying technical expertise to complex social and political challenges.
Ideal candidates will have experience in:
- Data science
- Computational research
- Data engineering
- Research data management
- AI and machine learning applications
- Large-scale data analysis
Applicants should possess strong technical skills in one or more of the following:
- Python
- R
- SQL
- Spark
- Related data engineering technologies
The university is particularly interested in candidates who can communicate technical concepts effectively and work across disciplinary boundaries.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience
While not mandatory, the following experience would be advantageous:
- Working with social media datasets
- Higher education research projects
- Interdisciplinary research collaborations
- FAIR data principles
- Data governance and research ethics
- Data security and compliance frameworks
The role would suit someone who is intellectually curious, collaborative, adaptable, and interested in research relating to democracy, elections, governance, and political parties in Africa.
Contract Details
- Position: Research Associate in Digital Politics and Data Systems
- Employer: University of Bristol
- Faculty: Arts, Law and Social Sciences
- School: Sociology, Politics and International Studies (SPAIS)
- Contract Type: Open-ended with fixed funding
- Contract Duration: September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2028
- Working Pattern: Full-Time
- Grade: J
- Location: United Kingdom
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit an application through the University of Bristol recruitment portal before the deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the job description and person specification before applying.
Application Process
Step 1: Review the full job description
Step 2: Prepare your application materials
Step 3: Complete the online application form
Step 4: Submit your application before the deadline
Step 5: Await shortlisting outcomes
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated CV or Resume
- Academic qualifications
- Employment history
- Supporting statement
- Any additional documents requested by the University of Bristol
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | June 30, 2026 |
| Shortlisting Week | July 6, 2026 |
| Contract Start Date | September 1, 2026 |
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
| Position | Research Associate in Digital Politics and Data Systems |
| Employer | University of Bristol |
| Salary | £43,482 – £50,253 per year |
| Location | United Kingdom |
| Contract Type | Open-ended with Fixed Funding |
| Duration | September 2026 – August 2028 |
| Work Pattern | Full-Time |
| Research Area | Data Science, Politics, AI, Democracy |
| Application Deadline | June 30, 2026 |
Conclusion
The University of Bristol’s Research Associate in Digital Politics and Data Systems position offers an exciting opportunity for data scientists and researchers who want to apply advanced computational methods to important political questions affecting Africa.
With a competitive salary, interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities, and involvement in a major international research project, the role provides an excellent platform for professionals looking to build a career at the intersection of data science, artificial intelligence, and political research.
Interested candidates should submit their applications before June 30, 2026.
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