Research Fellow (Data and Democracy) Full-time NEW

Research Fellow (Data and Democracy)

Based at the UCL Faculty of Laws, the Global Centre for Democratic Constitutionalism (GCDC) seeks to advance scholarly understanding of the relationship between democratic government and the rule of law in domestic, comparative and transnational perspective, with a particular focus on identifying the supporting conditions for constitutional resilience in electorally competitive political systems.

The GCDC commenced operations in the 2024-25 academic year, with funding from the Leverhulme Trust. The Centre's programme of activities consists of internal and external research seminars, high-profile lectures, international conferences and the regular convening of a scholarly research community. In addition to the permanent membership, the Centre also hosts fellows, postdoctoral researchers and an active cohort of doctoral candidates.

In furtherance of our research mandate, the GCDC seeks to appoint a Research Fellow in Data and Democracy, specialising in the legal regulation of digital surveillance powers and the specific challenges that the rise of contemporary artificial intelligence in governmental decision-making poses to democratic constitutionalism. The Fellow will be supported to produce their own scholarly work in the field of democratic constitutionalism and constitutional resilience and will be expected to play a central role in the day-to-day operations and activities of the Centre.

The Research Fellow will play a key role in supporting the Centre's activities and contributing to high-quality outputs through the conduct of both independent and collaborative research with other Centre members working on the challenges to democratic governance posed by the use and abuse of digital surveillance powers and/or the rise of artificial intelligence in governmental decision-making. It is intended that such outputs will ordinarily be published in peer-reviewed publications. While the appointed Fellow will be expected to assist with the production of outputs directed by their manager and overseen by the Centre's Director, they will also have significant academic freedom to develop their own independent research profile and agenda.

This role is available and expected to start from 01 September 2026 and is funded by the Leverhulme Trust for 2 years. Appointment to the role is subject to final approval by the Leverhulme Trust.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon PhD award. If not yet awarded, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (£39,148 – £41,833 per annum, including London Allowance). Backdating to Grade 7 will occur once PhD has been awarded, and upon final submission of PhD thesis (including corrections).

This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK visas and immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

The deadline for applications is 24 May and interviews will likely be held in the week commencing 15 June 2026.

The successful candidate will hold, or be close to completion of, a doctoral degree in law, with a good knowledge of legal research methods and databases (e.g. Westlaw, Lexis Nexis), and a demonstrable track record of research work on regulating the use of data and/or surveillance powers in democracies. However, those with a background in political science, sociology or a relevant social science field will also be considered where their research is directly related to the topic. A wide range of methodological and theoretical approaches are welcome.

Candidates with backgrounds in computer science or relevant technical areas will be considered if they can demonstrate relevant knowledge and experience.

The successful candidates will be able to work independently to produce research outputs, develop strong working relationships with Centre and Faculty staff, and communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here.