Location: Ashoka University Campus,Sonipat, Haryana (Delhi-NCR)

Department: Department of Media Studies

Reports To: Chitralekha, Associate Professor of Media Studies

Role Type: Contractual, 15 October 2026 – 14 April 2027; extendable up to one year based on performance

Experience: Early career (1-2 years of research experience preferred)

ABOUT THE ROLE The Research Assistant will work closely with Professor Chitralekha on an ethnographic research project in the Department of Media Studies, including fieldwork in virtual places. The role is suited to an early-career scholar and runs for the 2026–27 academic year, with compensation commensurate with experience. Within six months, you will have built the project's literature and archival base and be conducting ethnographic fieldwork with regular supervision.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Conduct literature reviews that map existing scholarship relevant to the project.
- Carry out archival analysis, including in digital archives, and organise findings for the research team.
- Undertake textual analysis of project materials, including content from virtual sites.
- Conduct ethnographic field research, including in virtual places, and document observations for the project.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Qualifications

- Education: Advanced degree (PhD, MPhil or Master's) in Sociology, Anthropology or Media Studies preferred. Ashoka undergraduates, including currently enrolled students, with exceptional interest, initiative and research capability will receive equal consideration.
- Experience: 1-2 years of research experience preferred, ideally involving ethnography (including in virtual places) or RA work with textual analysis.
- Skills: Excellent reading and writing skills; working knowledge of Microsoft Office, JASP, Jamovi, PsychoPy, Canva, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom; familiarity with software tools for textual analysis in virtual sites is desirable.

Who You Are

- You are meticulous about recording field notes, archival sources and citations so that every finding in the project can be traced back to its source.
- You work in close,



regular exchange with a single supervising faculty member, taking feedback on fieldwork and drafts and returning revised work promptly.
- You are curious about how people communicate and form communities in digital spaces, and you raise new lines of inquiry rather than only completing assigned tasks.
- You are comfortable with a fixed-term, project-driven appointment in which you manage your own schedule across campus work, fieldwork and online research sites.

Application Submission Process:

To ensure your candidacy receives the attention it deserves, kindly follow the application submission process outlined below:

Prepare the following documents

1.Cover Letter (about 1 page outlining your proposed contribution to the project)

2.CV with email ids of two reference contacts

3.Preferred: Writing Sample (published or work-in-progress)

Submit Your Application: Email your CV to [email protected], ensuring the subject line reads as follows: "". This will help us efficiently process your application.

Pursuit for Excellence: At Ashoka University, we strive for excellence in all aspects of our operations. Therefore, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted as part of our rigorous selection process.

Adherence to Deadlines: To ensure fairness and efficiency, please submit your application by (Thursday, 15th October 2026). Applications received later may be considered till the position is filled.

We look forward to receiving your application as we embark together on a remarkable journey of qualified growth and development. Join our exceptional community at Ashoka University, where excellence is nurtured, and aspirations are transformed into reality.

ABOUT ASHOKA UNIVERSITY





Ashoka University is India's premier interdisciplinary higher education and research-focused institution, offering world-class opportunities in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Established in 2014 by leaders, thinkers, academics, and philanthropists from diverse fields, it operates on a unique model of collective philanthropy, integrating exemplary governance standards with cutting-edge pedagogy and a faculty body of international acclaim.

Today, the University has a community of 3000+ students and operates seven Schools imparting industry-oriented education, professional skills, and values-based learning to prepare students for global careers. The University espouses principles of inclusivity and diversity, having more than 57% women, 4% international scholars, 100+ students with disabilities, and over 47% students on scholarships. Since its inception, Rs 723 crores have been awarded in scholarships with over 2,000 students receiving full-tuition fee waivers cumulatively and 5400+ students being supported through scholarships.

In addition, nearly 5500 of Ashoka's alumni are pursuing careers of their choice in reputed organisations and leading universities across the world.

Ashoka University continues to reaffirm its commitment to building an inclusive institution of excellence in teaching and research, nurturing responsible leaders for India and the world. In 2025, Ashoka University was honoured with the 'University of the Year (Emerging)' award at the 20th FICCI Higher Education Summit 2025 - one of India's notable industry platforms celebrating excellence in academia and innovation. The University also secured the first position in the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) 2025 in two prestigious categories.

The Ashoka advantage will continue to equip its students with the skills to see the big picture - to critically analyse, question, interpret, craft compelling arguments, and find sustainable solutions. It is a collective effort towards nation-building. This is where tomorrow's leaders are born.

Check out the Ashoka Website to know more : https://www.ashoka.edu.in/

📌 Research Assistant – Media Studies (Haryana)
🏢 BITM
📍 Haryana