Research Associate in AI and the Environment (Fixed Term)

Job description

We are seeking a Research Associate in AI and the Environment to join the AHRC BRAID project Sustainable AI Futures. This role offers the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research, influence policy and practice, and collaborate with academic and industry partners to build more sustainable AI futures. (This is a full-time, 30-month fixed term contract)

About the role

Within the role you will explore the intersection of responsible AI and environmental sustainability. You will conduct cutting-edge research through literature reviews and expert interviews, co-author academic publications, toolkits, and policy papers, and track global AI governance standards (ISO, ITU, IEEE) to ensure our work remains relevant and impactful. You’ll also help build a thriving community of practice, contributing to workshops, symposia, and other high-profile activities that shape the future of AI and the environment.

About you

• Completed PhD in a relevant discipline
• Research experience in at least one relevant domain, specifically:

1. a) environmental sustainability and/or climate change
2. b) Artificial Intelligence (e.g. AI policy, AI ethics, responsible AI, or critical AI studies)
3. c) policy and governance, particularly relating to science, technology, or the environment

• Strong analytic and communication skills, with evidence of producing high-quality outputs (e.g. publications, toolkits, standards, policy papers, reports)
• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills, which could be evidenced through activities such as conducting interviews or fieldwork, building relationships with stakeholders, helping to cultivate a community of practice, conducting campaigns or driving change, or in other ways
• Independent and proactive, capable of working flexibly individually and as part of a team
• Experience engaging with legislation, policy, technical standards, or governance frameworks, including any work related to responsible AI (e.g. ISO, IEEE, OECD, BSI, or internal industry frameworks)
• Experience of working with partners from outside academia (e.g. industry, NGOs, policymakers, cultural or creative organisations), and/or delivering impact outside academia
• Research experience in more than one relevant domain (see point 2 under ‘essential’ criteria)

Additional information

This is a 30 month, fixed term contract

Depending upon the research project this role may be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

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