Research Fellow in Sociology (Teenage Boys and Digital Media)

This post-doctoral Research Fellow position focuses on teenage masculinities and digital media as part of an ESRC-funded project. Responsibilities include conducting literature reviews, extensive qualitative data collection with young men and their carers on sensitive topics, and disseminating research findings. Applicants require a PhD in a relevant social science discipline, significant qualitative research experience, and the ability to engage ethically with young people.

• Key responsibilities will include
• This post-doctoral research fellow is a full-time role for upto 33 months (from February 2027 onwards) as part of an ESRC-funded project on teenage masculinities and digital media.
• You will work closely with the Project Investigators, contributing to all stages of the research process, including design, data collection, analysis and dissemination.
• The role will involve collaboration with other academic colleagues and external stakeholders.
• It will include in depth qualitative research with young men and their carers in relation to potentially sensitive topics.
• You will be expected to operate with a high degree of initiative and independence while working closely with others as part of a collaborative and intellectually engaged research environment.
• Conducting systematic and critical literature reviews on areas that include young masculinities, digital media, family negotiation of digital technology use and gendered moralities and related areas.
• Carrying out extensive qualitative data collection across different stages of research, including participant recruitment conduction of focus groups and interviews, and administering of digital diaries
• Supporting various dimensions of project administration, including development and organisation of research materials, liaison with advisory groups, participants, gatekeepers and stakeholders
• Organising dissemination and engagement activities and contributing to outputs, including journal articles, book chapters, reports and presentations
• The post offers an opportunity to develop advanced research skills, contribute to high-quality academic publications and engage with prominent contemporary public and academic debates relating to boys, masculinities and digital media.
• Informal enquiries about the role are welcome. Please contact Prof Paul Hodkinson at p.hodkinson@surrey.ac.uk.

• A PhD in sociology, media and communications, psychology, gender studies or a related social science discipline
• Training and experience in carrying out qualitative social research, and ability to take a reflexive, inductive and participant-centred approach
• Ability to engage with young men and their carers in relation to sensitive topics and an understanding of ethical research practice
• Familiarity with research and scholarship of significance to the project, and capacity to scrutinise established narratives about boys, masculinities and digital media
• Strong organisational, communication and team working skills, and an ability to manage research and administrative tasks independently