Introduction
The University of Oxford is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position in the Department of Sociology. This exciting three-year research opportunity is part of the project “Falling into Cybercrime: The Socio-Economic Factors of Youth Hacking and Cybercrime.”
The project aims to understand why young people become involved in hacking and cybercrime by examining social, economic, educational, and environmental factors. Researchers with backgrounds in cybercrime, criminology, sociology, education, data analysis, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
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Position Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of Oxford |
| Department | Sociology |
| Position | Postdoctoral Research Associate |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Employment Type | Full-Time (Part-Time Considered) |
| Contract Duration | 3 Years |
| Salary | £39,424 – £47,779 per year (up to £53,483 discretionary range) |
| Grade | Research Grade 7 |
| Application Deadline | 1 September 2026 |
| Expected Start | October 2026 (Flexible) |
About the Research Project
The project, “Falling into Cybercrime: The Socio-Economic Factors of Youth Hacking and Cybercrime,” is led by Associate Professor Jonathan Lusthaus alongside Dr Lindsay Richards.
The research investigates:
- Why certain countries produce more hackers.
- Socio-economic factors influencing cybercrime.
- Youth pathways into hacking.
- Risk factors leading hackers into criminal activities.
- Policy recommendations for cybercrime prevention.
The United Kingdom will serve as the primary case study while also incorporating international comparative research.
Research Areas
The successful candidate will contribute to research involving:
- Cybercrime
- Youth Hacking
- Digital Crime
- Sociology
- Criminology
- Education
- Quantitative Research
- Public Policy
- Social Research
- Statistical Analysis
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should possess:
- A PhD in Sociology, Criminology, Cybercrime, Education, or a related discipline.
- Strong mixed-methods research experience.
- Excellent quantitative research skills.
- Experience with statistical analysis and regression models.
- Survey design and implementation experience.
- Data collection and dataset management experience.
- Ability to work collaboratively with academic, industry, and government stakeholders.
Candidates with experience in Life Course Criminology are particularly encouraged to apply.
Job Responsibilities
The selected researcher will:
- Conduct quantitative and mixed-methods research.
- Design and administer surveys.
- Collect and analyze primary and secondary datasets.
- Develop new research datasets.
- Work alongside the Principal Investigator and research team.
- Contribute to academic publications.
- Engage with members of the hacking community where appropriate.
- Present research findings.
- Coordinate project activities.
Salary & Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Annual salary of £39,424 – £47,779
- Discretionary salary progression up to £53,483
- Three-year research appointment
- Opportunity to work at the University of Oxford
- International research collaboration
- Publication opportunities
- Professional networking
- Flexible working arrangements (part-time considered)
Application Process
Interested candidates should prepare:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
- Academic Qualifications
- Supporting Research Documents (if required)
Applications must be submitted through the University of Oxford recruitment portal before the closing date.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Application Deadline | 1 September 2026 |
| Interviews | Week commencing 21 September 2026 |
| Expected Start Date | October 2026 (Flexible) |
Why Apply?
This prestigious research position offers:
- Opportunity to work at the University of Oxford
- Competitive salary package
- Three-year funded research project
- Work on globally relevant cybercrime research
- Collaboration with leading researchers
- Build an international academic profile
- Publication and conference opportunities
- Strong career development prospects
Official Application
Interested applicants should visit the official University of Oxford Jobs Portal and search using Vacancy ID: 187326 to submit their application.
FAQs
Where is the position based?
Department of Sociology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
What is the salary?
£39,424–£47,779 per year, with a discretionary range up to £53,483.
How long is the contract?
Three years.
Is this a full-time role?
Yes. Part-time arrangements may also be considered.
What qualifications are required?
A PhD in Sociology, Criminology, Cybercrime, Education, or a related discipline.
When is the application deadline?
1 September 2026.
When will interviews be held?
During the week commencing 21 September 2026.
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