[Linganth] Postdoc: Conspiracy Theories in the Age of the Internet -- Closing date: January 5th

[Ilana Gershon]

The University of Manchester is seeking to appoint a full time Postdoctoral
Research Associate for two years to work on the AHRC-funded research
project ‘Everything Is Connected: Conspiracy Theories in the Age of the
Internet’. The project is a collaboration between the University of
Manchester, King’s College London (KCL), KU Leuven and the University of
Amsterdam. The aim of the project is to analyse the difference that the
internet has made to the production, aesthetics and consumption of
conspiracy theories (with a focus on the English-language datasphere). We
are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in cultural studies
and digital methods to help analyse the changing meaning and function of
conspiracy theories in the digital age. You will be employed by the
University of Manchester in the first year, and by KCL in the second year;
and you will also spend a month embedded in one of our partner
organisations in London (either Demos or Sense about Science). You will be
mentored by Prof. Peter Knight, the Principal Investigator of the project
at the University of Manchester, and Dr Clare Birchall at KCL.

Web application:
https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/CLL682/research-associate-school-of-arts-languages-and-cultures-ks


Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 05/01/2022

Main duties include:


- Conducting a literature review on the changing modes of conspiracy
theory transmission, and maintain the project’s reference database
- Assisting in the creation of datasets to identify the most important
sites, platforms and influencers of online conspiracy culture
- Analysing and interpreting data through a combination of qualitative
methodologies and digital techniques
- Researching the history of conspiracy theories in earlier moments of
the development of the internet
- Collating policy documents and news accounts concerning platform
providers’ engagement with conspiracy theories, and conducting interviews
with the platforms, regulators, and fact-checking organisations
- Disseminating research findings in publications and conference
presentations
- Co-organizing and assisting with knowledge exchange and public
engagement events associated with the project
- Managing the project website


You must hold a doctorate in cultural studies/cultural history, digital
methods/digital humanities, American Studies or a closely related
discipline. You should have experience of conducting research in popular
culture, ideally with a focus on digital culture and society, and
familiarity with digital methods/data analytics.

You are invited to submit a 2-page statement outlining how you meet the
requirements of this position, and a CV that includes the names and contact
details of two academic referees who have agreed to write on your behalf.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and interviews arranged via Zoom
in late January 2022.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections
of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity),
ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All
appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more
here

*Blended working arrangements may be considered *

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or
applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Email: peter.knight at manchester.ac.uk
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