Research Associate, Humanities and Social Sciences in Human-AI Teaming

Alan Turing Institute London United Kingdom Research Programmes

Company Description

Named in honour of Alan Turing, the Institute is a place for inspiring, exciting work and we need passionate, sharp, and innovative people who want to use their skills to contribute to our mission to make great leaps in data science and AI research to change the world for the better.

Please find more information about us here.

Position

We are recruiting a Research Associate to conduct research of excellent quality on the fundamentals of human–AI collaboration and interaction, and introduce humanities and social science perspectives to the study of human-AI teaming. You will investigate the potential for a holistic approach to enhance technological innovation while also ensuring that AI systems are ethical, inclusive, and deeply attuned to human experiences and values. You will explore and shape the convergence of the humanities and design, social and cognitive sciences, with data science and engineering, to foster innovative and responsible human-AI teaming.

This opportunity will suit an innovative, interdisciplinary researcher with a robust social science or humanities background who is passionate about the potential for cross-disciplinary research to change the world for the better. You will be central to an international effort to unite the strengths of humanities, social science, engineering and data science to address societal, environmental and economic challenges. You will join an interdisciplinary team within the Data-Centric Engineering programme at The Alan Turing Institute, with strong collaborative links to The New Real at the University of Edinburgh. You will have access to opportunities to advance your research and to develop an international profile at the cutting edge of this field.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Undertake research of excellent quality introducing humanities and social science perspectives to the study of human-AI teaming.
Be an advocate for boundary-crossing and outwardly-engaged forms for research.
Facilitate and empower, ensuring voices can be heard across disciplinary boundaries.
Publish and disseminate high-quality research papers and publications detailing research output and project case-studies.
Communicate or present research outputs to diverse stakeholders, through conferences, events, meetings, and press opportunities as appropriate.
Engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including academic communities, industry groups, government agencies, regulatory bodies, and the public.
Support a programme of public engagement activities.

Please see the job description for a full breakdown of the role.

Requirements

PhD in a relevant Social Science or Humanities discipline or demonstrable equivalent experience (if close to PhD completion, Research Assistant level will be considered)
A solid background in one or more of the following: human-AI interactions, science and technology studies, AI ethics, extended cognition, cognitive outsourcing, AI arts, AI safety, explainable AI.
Advanced proficiency in qualitative methods including human subject experimentation, ethnography, interviews, thematic analysis; adept at using NVivo or ATLAS.ti for data analysis.
Familiarity with current trends in AI, data science, or engineering, and an interest in applying humanities and/or social science perspectives to these fields.
Track record of high quality research, as evidenced by journal and conference publications or equivalent research outputs.
Experience in interdisciplinary research and of working in diverse and cross-disciplinary teams.
Excellent communication skills

Other information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

If you are interested in this opportunity, please click the apply button below. You will need to register on the applicant portal and complete the application form including your CV and covering letter. If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please contact us on 020 3862 3536 or email [email protected].

If you are applying for more than one role at the Turing, please note that only one Cover Letter can be visible on your profile at one time. If you wish to apply for multiple roles and do not want to overwrite your existing Cover Letter, please apply for the role using the button below and forward your additional cover letter directly to [email protected] quoting the job title.

If you are an internal applicant and wish to apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter directly to [email protected] and your application will be considered.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 7 August 2024 at 23:59 (BST)

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early or to interview suitable candidates before the closing date if enough applications are received.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This full-time post is offered on a fixed term basis for 2 years. The annual salary is £44,180 to £49,966 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, https://www.turing.ac.uk/work-turing/why-work-turing/employee-benefits.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant at a salary of £41,352 per annum.

The Alan Turing Institute is based at the British Library, in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter. We expect staff to come to our office at least 4 days per month. Some roles may require more days in the office; the hiring manager will be able to confirm this during the interview.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and everyone is treated fairly. In accordance with the Equality Act, we welcome applications from anyone who meets the specific criteria of the post regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are committed to making sure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive. This includes making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have a disability or long-term condition. Please contact us at [email protected] to find out how we can assist you.

Please note all offers of employment are subject to obtaining and retaining the right to work in the UK and satisfactory pre-employment security screening which includes a DBS Check.

Full details on the pre-employment screening process can be requested from [email protected].

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