Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies

Deadline: February 22, 2019

To conduct research and provide administrative support to the ESRC funded project Beyond the MSM: Understanding the rise of alternative online political media.

This post is full-time and fixed term for three years.

Salary: £33,199 - £39,609 per annum (Grade 6). It is not expected that an appointment be made above £36,261 per annum (Point 33).

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Job Description

Research

• To conduct quantitative and qualitative research on alternative online political media, including content analysis, textual analysis and interviews.
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including project planning, progress updates and dissemination.
• To review and synthesise existing literature within the field, including academic research and policy documents.
• To present research at national and international conferences/industry seminars as appropriate.
• To create and nurture relevant research networks to include academics, alternative media and mainstream media editors and journalists, as well as media policy makers in order to pursue opportunities for collaboration and dissemination.
• To assist with organising workshops and events associated with the research project together with the PI and Co-I.
• To co-publish in high quality peer-reviewed international journals.
• To assist with management of the project website and social media accounts.
• To participate in School research activities.

Other

• To contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional, national and international profile.
• To undergo professional development that is appropriate to the post and which will enhance the post holders’ research and project management skills.
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role of research assistant.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

2. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within at least one of following research fields:

• Journalism Studies
  
• Political Communication
  
• Alternative media studies

3. Proven ability to generate academic peer reviewed outputs and/or industry reports and/or policy briefings in one of the areas identified above.

4. Proven ability to conduct quantitative and qualitative research and data analysis, including content analysis and interviews.

5. Evidence of project administration.

Communication and Team Working

6. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication, particularly with industry and policy-makers.

7. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity and innovation, particularly in the dissemination of research.

8. Proven ability to work independently and supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals as part of a small research team.

Desirable Criteria

9. Evidence of innovative collaboration with journalism industry and/or media policy-makers.

10. Experience of using NVivo software and/or Concordance software to analyse interview data.

11. Experience of using SPSS to analyse media content analysis data.

12. Experience of managing a research project website (e.g. WordPress) and a social media account (e.g. Twitter).

Additional Information

Beyond the MSM: Understanding the rise of alternative online political media is an ESRC funded project that will critically examine alternative online political media launched within the last fifteen years. The aim is to understand the production, content and consumption of the most influential left- and right-wing alternative political online sites, and to explore people's views about the MSM (mainstream media) and ask why some are turning to alternative media for news about politics and public affairs.

The post holder will report directly to the PI and will support the PI and Co-I by reviewing the academic and policy literature about alternative media, mapping relevant alt-left and –right UK and international media, carrying out content analysis and textual analysis, and conducting interviews with users of alternative media and actors who contribute to these sites. He/She will also help co-publish work in high-quality journals, and assist with dissemination and impact activities including conferences and other public outputs.

• Salary Range:33,199-39,609
  
• Job Category_ Academic - Research
  
• Grade: Grade 6
  
• Code: 8210BR
  

• Date advert posted: Friday, 25 January 2019

• Closing date: Friday, 22 February 2019