Research Assistant

The University of East London has been pioneering futures since 1898: from the 2nd Industrial Revolution through to where we are now, the 5th. We are a careers-led university, dedicated to supporting our students to develop the skills, emotional intelligence and creativity needed to thrive in a constantly changing world.

Vision 2028 has been developed to transform our curriculum, pedagogy, research impact and partnerships to make a positive difference to student, graduate, and community success. Our ambitious but achievable goal is to become the leading careers-focused, enterprising university in the UK, one which both prepares our students for the jobs of the future and provides the innovation to drive that future sustainably and inclusively.? 

The University of East London is one of the most diverse and vibrant universities in the global capital. Our pioneering and forward-thinking vision is making a positive and significant impact to the communities we serve, inspiring both our staff and students to reach their full potential.  

Born in 1898 to serve the skills needs of the 2nd industrial revolution, the University of East London has commenced Year 5 of its transformational 10-year Vision 2028 strategic plan led by our Vice-Chancellor & President, Professor Amanda Broderick. We have a clear route-map to provide a springboard for the jobs and opportunities of the future; drive diversity in the 4.0 talent pipeline - working in partnership to promote talent wherever it is found; and to create an inclusive and sustainable green future.    

The UK Centre for Artificial Intelligence for the Public Sector (UK-CAIPS), a pioneering collaboration between the London Borough of Newham and the University of East London, aims to harness AI to transform public-service delivery. It is the first centre of its kind, with a focus on local governments’ concerns, such as housing, social care, climate change, and economic inclusion, and the centre’s remit is to develop innovative, ethical AI solutions to enhance decision-making and efficiency at the local government level and in time become influencers at the national policy level. The post advertised offers you a window seat as the centre journeys forward to fulfil these ambitions. You will have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects, engage with policymakers, and shape AI-driven strategies to tackle pressing societal challenges, working with experts across both institutions. This initiative represents a unique opportunity to influence real-world changes through applied AI research and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

JOB PURPOSE: 

This role offers an exciting opportunity to assist in the development of UK-CAIPS. In your role as a research assistant, you will support efforts to explore how AI can improve public services, with a focus on temporary housing, social care, the local economy, and sustainability. Your work will involve developing predictive models to help prevent homelessness and improve the way temporary accommodation is allocated. You'll also contribute to AI-driven data integration, helping public sector departments work together more effectively. Additionally, you'll assist in creating ethical AI governance frameworks to ensure responsible use of AI while maintaining data privacy and security standards.

The post holder will be expected to make a strong contribution to the continued development of research working closely with the Leads in UEL and LBN and will be expected to develop their own research profile.

The post holder will also support the Centre's efforts in communicating its research impact to a broad range of stakeholders, including local authorities, policymakers, and the public. This will include developing impact measurement frameworks, evaluating the societal and operational effects of AI interventions, and producing accessible communications to demonstrate how AI enhances public service delivery.

To contact the recruitment team please phone +44 20 8223 3000 x 4600 or e-mail jobs@uel.ac.uk

CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.

At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive.