Research Associate on Children’s Agency in the Age of AI

Full time, Fixed-term contract for 18 months with the possibility of extension.

We are thrilled to announce a fixed-term Research Associate position at the University of Oxford, under the supervision of Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt and Dr. Jun Zhao. The Research Assistant will contribute to the groundbreaking interdisciplinary research project, Children’s Agency in the Age of AI (CHAILD), supported by UKRI. CHAILD (https://chaild.org) is among the first projects funded under UKRI's Cross Research Council Responsive Mode.

Based in the Department of Computer Science, the successful candidate will join the Human-Centred Computing Theme and collaborate closely with teams from Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI, and University College London. This role includes extensive research exchange opportunities among the three groups. 

Reporting to Dr Jun Zhao and Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt, the post holder will contribute to the design, development, and deployment of AI-based systems that support the development of children’s agency. This work focuses on the application of AI in Education and large Social Media platforms. The role offers an exciting opportunity to gain expertise in ethical and fair AI innovation while engaging with diverse stakeholders, including children, innovators, and policymakers.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the Researcher Co-I, PI and other members of the research team on the project, as well as independently leading and developing their own body of research in line with the project’s aims. The post holder will be a member of the Human Centred Computing theme within the Department of Computer Science. The research group carries out world leading research relating to Human Computer Interaction, Human Centred AI, responsible innovation, and ethical data infrastructures. More information on Human Centred Computing can be found here: https://www.cs.ox.ac.uk/research/HCC/.

It is essential that successful candidate would hold a relevant PhD/DPhil or being close to completion in AI, HCI, child-centred design or related disciplines

You will be required to upload a supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 20^th January 2025. Interviews are expected to be held in late January or early February.

We are a Stonewall Top 100 Employer, Living Wage, holding an Athena Swan Bronze Award, HR excellence in Research and Race Equality Charter Bronze Award.

Our staff and students come from all over the world and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diversity groups and champions, for example http://www.cs.ox.ac.uk/aboutus/women-cs-oxford/index.html , as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example shared parental leave.

Demonstrating a commitment to provide equality of opportunity, we would particularly welcome applications from women and black and minority ethnic applicants who are currently under-represented within the Computer Science Department. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.

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