Research Assistant in AI and Humanitarian Action University College London 12 Queen Square, London

About us

UCL’s Department of Computer Science (CS) is a top-ranked Computer Science Department in the UK. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) evaluation, UCL Computer Science was ranked second in the UK for research power and first in England. This project sits at the intersection of Computer Science, Disability Innovation and Humanitarian Response and will be hosted at the Global Disability Innovation Hub. Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) is an Academic Research and Practice Centre accelerating disability innovation for a more just world. Based at UCL (University College London) GDI Hub is operational in 60 countries, with more than 70 partners and is the first Global Collaborating Centre on Assistive Technology.

About the role

Applications are invited for the role of Research Assistant (RA) to work with a multidisciplinary research group on the project ‘AI Solutions for Humanitarian Challenges’, funded by the UK Humanitarian Innovation Hub (UK HIH). This first phase project will involve a scoping literature review, expert interviews, and an expert consultation to establish a foundational understanding of existing uses of AI in humanitarian response, along with key ethical and operational, and other relevant considerations. The second phase of the project will incorporate the design and development of capacity building workshops for Elrha AI and Humanitarianism grantees.

The project involves a collaboration between staff at UCL and several partner organisations, including: the University of Cape Coast (Ghana), the Data Scientists Network Foundation (Nigeria), and Kathmandu University (Nepal), among others. This research group has been tasked with conducting foundational research on the intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) and humanitarian response.

Salary will be between Grade 6b at £37,332 and £39,980, dependent on experience.

About you

Candidates for the position are expected to have a master’s degree or equivalent experience in computer science, humanities, or social sciences, along with a proven track record in conducting literature reviews, qualitative/mixed methods research, and facilitating consultative meetings and workshops. Experience in collaborative efforts with both researchers and practitioners is essential, as is a deep understanding of humanitarian issues and the evolving AI industry. Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to high-quality research, possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills for presenting complex information to diverse audiences, and exhibit initiative with outstanding organizational capabilities. The role requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, managing time effectively, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Due to the restricted funding of the role, applicants will need to be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK on their application.

What we offer

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.