Research Associate - Managing Data and Information Security in Complex Environments

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Post Doctoral Research Assistant Managing Data and Information Security in Complex Environments, based in the Department of Civil Engineering and Management and affiliated to The Thomas Ashton Institute for Risk and Regulatory Research. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on a project investigating barriers to adopting a security-oriented approach to information management within complex organisations.

You will be responsible for:

• The post holder’s main accountabilities will lie in the methodological design of a research programme that will address four key research questions: i) How is information security understood, enacted, and communicated within organisational settings? Ii) What social, technical, and cultural factors shape compliance, resistance, or indifference to formal information security policies? Iii) In what ways do informal practices, workarounds, and discretionary judgement contribute to or undermine information security? and iv) How do discourses of risk, responsibility, and trust operate in shaping security behaviour across organisational hierarchies?
• The post holder will be expected to design and implement the following data collection methods within the research programme
• Supporting the wider research activities of the Department of Civil Engineering in relation to security and resilience research.
• Co-produce research outputs including academic journal papers, policy briefings, blogs and presentations.
• Supporting effective project management, finance and administration through accurate reporting of progress against agreed objectives and performance criteria.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

• A PhD in a relevant social science discipline, or equivalent research experience gained in an academic or non-academic setting.
• Knowledge of a broad range of social science methods and methodologies relevant to the study of organisational culture within the context of critical national infrastructure.
• Knowledge of the broader landscape of research in the field of information security.
• Experience of critical national infrastructure research, or a related field, gained through academic and/or professional practice.
• A demonstrable ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues across the university and externally with key stakeholders.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of writing for a range of audiences including non-academic.
• The ability to problematise complex issues using a range of techniques including systems-thinking.

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Pulled from the full job description

• Annual leave
• Company pension
• Car scheme, Our benefits include:
• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews