University of Surrey
Research Fellow in Sociology (Teenage Boys and Digital Media)

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.
We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.
Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.
The Role
This post-doctoral research fellow is a full-time role for up to 33 months 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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Key responsibilities will include
- 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.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
About You
You will have:
- 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.
How To Apply
To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter outlining and evidencing your suitability for the post via the University of Surrey’s online recruitment system. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.
The University of Surrey reserves the right to close this vacancy early or extend based on Volume and Caliber of applications.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London