Department As one of the longest-established (1965) and most distinguished in the UK, the Department of Sociology has played an important role in the development of the discipline. The Department is also in the World Top 100 for Sociology (QS World Ranking by subject 2025). By collaborating with international and national partners, we pride ourselves on doing sociology that makes a positive change in the world. We are a collegiate department with a vibrant, research-intensive group of staff, organised around four clusters: Science, Health and Technology; Gender, Sexuality and Inequalities; Culture, Value and Practices; and Language and Social Interaction. Role As part of the newly launched Leverhulme Centre for Algorithmic Life, we are now recruiting a Research Associate to join our department. Based at the University of York, you would be collaborating with the interdisciplinary team in The Leverhulme Centre for Algorithmic Life, a major new interdisciplinary research hub dedicated to the study of how machine learning and AI algorithms are transforming societies. The Leverhulme Centre for Algorithmic Life is supported by £10 million in funding from the Leverhulme Trust, for ten years, awarded through its 2025 Research Centre competition. Led by Prof. Louise Amoore at the Centre’s hub at Durham University, the Leverhulme Centre for Algorithmic Life has collaborative partners in York, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and Duke Universities. The Leverhulme Centre for Algorithmic life’s data cluster, led by Prof. David Beer, is based at the University of York. As part of the cluster’s activities we are now advertising for a Research Associate to be based in the Department of Sociology at the University of York. You will be working with the cluster to create new research and new perspectives on the social aspects of algorithmic life, especially in relation to data. This post is available for a period of four years. Skills, Experience & Qualification needed PhD in sociology or related area, or equivalent experience Knowledge of the social implications of data and critical data studies to engage in high quality research Ability to write up research work for publication in high profile journals and engage in public dissemination Competency to conduct individual and collaborative research projects Experience of writing up research work for publication Ability to work as part of a team and also to work independently using own initiative Collaborative ethos Interview date: to be confirmed but anticipated to be within week commencing 25th May 2026 For informal enquiries: please contact Prof. David Beer via david.beer@york.ac.uk The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves. We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. EqualityatYork As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview. Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme .