University of Sheffield

Apply here: https://jobsite.sheffield.ac.uk/job/Research-Associate/584-en_GB

Posting Start Date:  18/12/2024

Job Id:  584

School/Department:  Information, Journalism & Communication

Work Arrangement:  Full Time (On site)

Contract Type:  Fixed-term

Salary per annum (£):  £37,999 - £46,485

Closing Date:  21/01/2025

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a 12-month postdoctoral research position working under the supervision of Dr Irini Katsirea, conducting research on EU and national legal and regulatory instruments to combat the spread of false or misleading scientific narratives. The project centres on identifying and preventing misinformation in the media that has a scientific origin, such as a retracted article or a misleading press release. It is part of a team of seven researchers from the European Media and Information Fund project on 'Unreliable science: Unravelling the impact of mainstream media misrepresentation'. The job will involve online and in person collaboration with researchers in other disciplines and with international collaborators at the University of Turku, Finland. The successful candidate should hold a PhD in law and have knowledge of, and research experience, in the area of media and communication law, digital media regulation and the right to freedom of expression.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Research EU and national legal and regulatory instruments to combat the spread of false or misleading scientific narratives.
  
• Lead on the identification and analysis of primary and secondary sources (legislation, case law, policy documents, academic literature).
  
• Read and review up to date academic literature as appropriate.
  
• Coordinate with, and support, other members of the EMIF project.
  
• Attend and contribute to project and research group meetings.
  
• Attend and contribute to conferences, as relevant.
  
• Co-produce peer reviewed publications and reports derived from the project.
  
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
  

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• Have completed a PhD in law (assessed at application)
  
• Research experience in the area of media and communication law, digital media regulation and the right to freedom of expression (assessed at application)
  
• Interest in learning about law and policy on mis- and disinformation (assessed at interview)
  
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations (assessed at interview)
  
• Proven ability to write for academic publication (assessed at application)
  

Desirable criteria (max 2)

• Knowledge of German language (assessed at application)
  
• Knowledge of contemporary debates around media, technology and AI policy (assessed at interview)
  
• Interest in science communication (assessed at interview)
  

Further Information

Grade: 7

Line manager: EMIF project researcher

Direct reports: None

For informal enquiries about this job contact 

Dr Irini Katsirea, EMIF project researcher: on i.katsirea@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you are shortlisted for interview and require reasonable adjustments please contact i.katsirea@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
  
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
  
• Generous pension scheme.
  
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
  
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
  
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
  
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways / Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
  
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  
• • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society.

We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognizes and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.