Research Assistant, Defence and Security

Alan Turing Institute London United Kingdom Research Programmes
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Company Description

The Alan Turing Institute is the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence. The Institute is named in honour of the scientist Alan Turing and its mission is to make great leaps in data science and artificial intelligence research in order to change the world for the better.

Position

The Alan Turing Institute is recruiting a casual research assistant to assist with research into AI for safeguard human and border security with particular focus on modern slavery and related drivers and factors. The project is funded through Turing’s D&S funders. The project aims to identify opportunities and develop data science and AI tools to better safeguard human and border security. The project focuses on following areas: (a) data sources and methods to detect illicit activity at sea (with transferable knowledge to land), (b) causal links to broader human and security issues such as conflict, migration, (c) narratives that can inform the pathways to exploitation, and (d) methods to improve data capture and measurement of hidden populations.

The work will take place from February to April 2021 and will include:

  • Assisting in stakeholder interviews and mapping.
  • Drafting summary reports or briefs on stakeholder interviews, surveys and activities.
  • Cataloging relevant data sources and features, and narrative texts.
  • Conducting desk research and literature review into methods for measuring and capturing hidden populations.
  • Support in writing other outputs such as blog, explainers, academic outputs

The research team has already made contributions to these areas. The Research Assistant will work with the PIs and Co-Is to complete the these threads of work and bring them together.





Requirements

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Master Degree in statistics, law, human rights, computer science or a related social science discipline.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to present complex or technical information, and to communicate effectively with analysts and other stakeholders outside the research community.
  • Ability to work as a member of a team.
  • Ability to work flexibly, prioritising tasks to meet deadlines and maintaining a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail;
  • Experience supporting research including desk-based literature review, content analysis and summary, and compiling and formatting bibliographic material;
  • A demonstrated interest in the mission of the Alan Turing Institute, and in exploring the real-world impact of cutting-edge technology.

Other information

This is a part-time role offered on a zero hours contract. The hourly rate for this casual position is £16 and it is anticipated that the successful candidate will be expected to work 10-15 hours per week.

This contract is subject to there being no restriction by the Home Office or by the UK Border Agency to your entry and/or continued stay in the UK.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To apply for the position, please send a CV and short statement of interest that covers the essential criteria with no more than 500 words to [email protected]

Closing date: Thursday 04 March 2021 at 23:59.

In the event of increased interest and receiving a high volume of applicants for this role, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early or to interview suitable candidates before the closing date.

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.

Reasonable adjustments to the interview process will be made for any candidates with a disability.