Research Assistant / Associate in AI and HCI

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Salary
Research Assistant: £32,296 - £33,882 per annum, pro rata.
Research Associate: £34,866 per annum, pro rata.

The Role
We are delighted to announce a new opportunity for a Research Assistant/Associate to join the FAMOUS project within the School of Computing. You will become part of a thriving community of researchers based in the Urban Sciences Building, located on the Helix site in the heart of Newcastle. This state-of-the-art facility supports world-class research and teaching.

The FAMOUS project aims to detect and reduce the spread of fraudulent online activities across Europe, including influencer marketing fraud, phishing scams, and counterfeit product sales. Leveraging advanced technologies, such as large language models (LLMs) and cybersecurity tools, FAMOUS will identify and monitor networks of fake activity shops operating across multiple European countries. This interdisciplinary initiative brings together social media platforms, regulatory bodies, academics, and the public to develop innovative tools, strategies, and policy recommendations for safeguarding digital ecosystems and enhancing trust online.

You will support the Academic Director, Dr Lei Shi, by contributing to various research and project tasks. These may include conducting literature reviews, programming, identifying new partners and collaborators, drafting research reports, creating website or social media content, and assisting in academic event planning.

We welcome applicants with a postgraduate qualification in a field pertinent to artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction. Ideal candidates should demonstrate proven expertise in Generative AI and LLMs, along with strong motivation to advance the FAMOUS project's objectives. You must be comfortable working both autonomously and in a collaborative team environment.

We are seeking an individual who is consistently methodical in their approach to research and adept at problem solving. We are looking for someone who is naturally collaborative and focused on producing high-quality research outputs as part of a diverse and interdisciplinary team. You should have excellent interpersonal skills, with a talent for building professional working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You may be required to design, create and present group research findings to external stakeholders, we are therefore looking for an individual who is innovative and possesses excellent communication skills.

For all informal enquiries, please contact Dr Lei Shi lei.shi@newcastle.ac.uk.

For more information about the School of Computing, please click here.

For more information about our research, please click here.

This position is available on a part time (20 hours per week), fixed term basis, to start immediately until 31st July 2025.

To apply, please complete an online application and upload a plain text copy of your CV and covering letter only. In your covering letter, you should evidence how you meet or exceed the essential and desirable requirements for the role. Please note, any other ‘Additional Document’ you upload may not be received by the reviewing panel.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

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