Oxford Postdoctoral Research Associate 2026 Cybercrime Research
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Postdoctoral Research Associate position at the University of Oxford for a 3-year cybercrime research project
Complete guide to eligibility, responsibilities, salary, and application process
Quick Highlights
| Parameter | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Organisation | University of Oxford | |
| Department | Department of Sociology | |
| Position | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Project | Falling into Cybercrime: Socio-Economic Factors of Youth Hacking | |
| Duration | 3 Years | |
| Location | Oxford, United Kingdom | |
| Salary | £39,424 – £47,779 (Grade 7) | up to £53,483 discretionary |
| Employment Type | Full-time (part-time considered) | |
| Deadline | 1 September 2026 (12:00 UK time) | |
| Official Website |
Opportunity Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Organisation | University of Oxford |
| Opportunity Category | Postdoctoral Job |
| Position | Postdoctoral Research Associate |
| Department | Department of Sociology |
| Location | Oxford, United Kingdom |
| Employment Type | Full-time (part-time considered) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Language | English |
About the Research Project
The project titled "Falling into Cybercrime: The Socio-Economic Factors of Youth Hacking and Cybercrime" is led by Associate Professor Jonathan Lusthaus, alongside Dr Lindsay Richards, and is supported by The Hacking Games.
The three-year study examines youth hacking and cybercrime at two levels:
| Level | Focus |
|---|---|
| Global Analysis | Why certain countries produce larger numbers of hackers and associated factors |
| UK Case Study | Why British young people become hackers and transition into criminal hacking |
The research combines sociological, criminological, and quantitative approaches to inform policy and prevention strategies.
Key Responsibilities
| Responsibility | Details |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Research | Conduct quantitative and mixed-methods research |
| Survey Design | Support survey design and implementation |
| Data Analysis | Access and analyse secondary datasets |
| Dataset Creation | Create and curate new research datasets |
| Project Coordination | Assist with project coordination and management |
| Stakeholder Engagement | Engage with government, industry, and academic stakeholders |
| Dissemination | Support dissemination of research findings |
Candidate Profile
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Disciplines | Cybercrime, Criminology, Sociology, Education, related social sciences |
| Preferred | Previous experience in life course criminology |
| Skills | Strong mixed-methods research, quantitative data collection, survey design, secondary dataset analysis, intermediate statistical analysis (regression) |
Essential Skills
| Skill | Details |
|---|---|
| Mixed-Methods Research | Strong mixed-methods research experience |
| Quantitative Data | Experience collecting quantitative research data |
| Survey Design | Survey design and deployment skills |
| Secondary Datasets | Experience working with secondary datasets |
| Dataset Management | Ability to build and manage research datasets |
| Statistical Analysis | Intermediate statistical analysis, including regression |
| Stakeholder Engagement | Confidence engaging with diverse stakeholders |
| Research Skills | Excellent research and analytical abilities |
Contract Details
| Component | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Start Date | As soon as possible (preferably by October 2026) | |
| Duration | 3 Years | |
| Employment Type | Full-time (part-time considered) | |
| Salary | £39,424 – £47,779 (Grade 7) | up to £53,483 discretionary |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 1 September 2026 (12:00 UK time) |
| Interviews | Week commencing 21 September 2026 |
Important Links
| Description | Official URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | https://my.corehr.com/pls/uoxrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.display_form |
| Official Website |
Why You Should Apply
Prestigious Institution: Join one of the world's leading universities.
Pioneering Research: Contribute to cutting-edge cybercrime research.
Expert Collaboration: Work alongside internationally recognised experts.
Policy Impact: Produce research with direct policy relevance.
Quantitative Focus: Develop expertise in quantitative and mixed-methods research.
Career Opportunities After Completion
| Area | Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Academia | Research and teaching positions |
| Policy | Cybercrime policy and advisory roles |
| Government | Research and analysis roles |
| Private Sector | Cybercrime research and consulting |
Tips to Increase Selection Chances
Highlight strong quantitative research skills.
Demonstrate experience with survey design and secondary datasets.
Show expertise in cybercrime, criminology, or sociology.
Apply well before the deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Late Submission | Applications after 1 September 2026 (12:00 UK time) will not be accepted |
| Generic Application | Tailor your application to the specific role |
| Missing Skills | Highlight quantitative and mixed-methods experience |
| Incomplete Application | Ensure all sections are completed |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer | |
|---|---|---|
| Q1. What is the position? | Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Oxford. | |
| Q2. What is the project about? | Youth hacking and cybercrime – socio-economic factors. | |
| Q3. Where is the role based? | Oxford, United Kingdom. | |
| Q4. What is the salary? | £39,424 – £47,779 (Grade 7) | up to £53,483 discretionary. |
| Q5. What is the duration? | 3 years. | |
| Q6. What qualifications are required? | PhD in Cybercrime, Criminology, Sociology, or related fields. | |
| Q7. Is part-time work considered? | Yes, part-time applications will be considered. | |
| Q8. What are the key responsibilities? | Quantitative research, survey design, data analysis, project coordination. | |
| Q9. What is the deadline? | 1 September 2026 (12:00 UK time). | |
| Q10. How can I apply? | Apply online through the University of Oxford recruitment portal. |
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The University of Oxford Postdoctoral Research Associate position offers an excellent opportunity for researchers in cybercrime, criminology, and sociology. With competitive salary and prestigious institutional support, the role provides a strong foundation for academic and policy-oriented careers.
Best Opportunity For
| Category | Suitable |
|---|---|
| Cybercrime Researchers | Yes |
| Criminologists | Yes |
| Sociologists | Yes |
| PhD Holders | Yes |
| Quantitative Researchers | Yes |
Competition Level
| Category | Level |
|---|---|
| Overall Competition | High |
| Selection Difficulty | Difficult |
| Application Complexity | High |
CareerFlora Recommendation
| Recommendation Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Value | Good |
| Career Growth | Very High |
| Application Difficulty | High |
| Apply Early | Strongly Recommended |
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for University of Oxford Postdoctoral Research Associate 2026 before 1 September 2026.
Visit the official University of Oxford recruitment portal.
Review the eligibility criteria.
Submit your application.
Follow CareerFlora for the latest updates.
