We are looking for an outstanding researcher with a background in data science, statistics and/or machine learning methods with a strong interest in data challenges regarding human rights or humanitarian challenges. The aim of this role is to apply data science and machine learning skills and interdisciplinary knowledge and thinking to (a) identify and consider socio-technical issues and opportunities in combining multiple sensitive datasets sourced across institutions, sectors and borders relating to modern slavery and/or related marginalised populations, (b) apply data science and machine learning methods to multiple and sensitive datasets, and (c) consider and develop approaches to visualise, inform and derive insights at individual and aggregate levels for policy makers and front-line agencies. The role requires engaging with domain experts and stakeholders across law enforcement, government, NGOs and the private sector.

The post-holder will join a multi-disciplinary team of researchers be responsible for delivery and support of the Modern Slavery PEC partnership and workstream – Understanding and Enabling Modern Slavery Data Ecosystem and Data Science Research, working closely with other Modern Slavery PEC leads and fellows, Turing Project Leads, other Research Associates and Research Assistants and programme management staff. As a senior Research Associate, the post-holder will also support in the coordination and direction of modern slavery projects across, collaborating and engaging with external stakeholders and ensuring junior researchers are supported.

This role is suitable for someone who is interested in bringing strong data skills and knowledge to human rights applications. We invite you to join us as we grow our research capability, supporting our goal to develop the next generation of data science researchers to push the boundaries of how we design and conduct data science and AI for human rights and humanitarian action. The post-holder will report to the Theme Lead on AI and Justice and Human Rights.

Duties and areas of responsibility

• Conduct high quality research as relevant to the project to improve understanding of modern slavery data ecosystem and data science and machine learning challenges and opportunities, informing on and developing data curation and sharing approaches to address policy and practice challenges, highlighting opportunities, risks and limitations of data science for human rights applications
• Identify and curate data sources, conducting data analysis, deriving insights from data analysis and visualisation, ensuring validity and reliability of data at all times and maintaining accurate and complete records of all findings
• Learn new methods and approaches to support the delivery of research project’s goals and activities
• Take initiative and make original contributions to the research project and its related activities to the success of the goals and objectives
• Collaborate with stakeholders and partners on research and identifying opportunities to take developed methods, frameworks and insights towards wider use.
• Assist in the organisation of and participate in regular meetings and special workshops with the research team, designated members of staff, collaborators and stakeholders
• Write and publish articles in peer-reviewed journals that highlight findings from research ensuring consistency with the highest standards of academic publication, and draft publications for other mediums such as blogs, briefs and explainers, showcasing the Institute’s research leadership
• Present methods and results at conferences and workshops, and communicate results to a diverse audience.
• Work closely with Pis, Co-Is, the research leadership team and collaborators on the project within Turing, MSPEC and across the sector.

This full-time post is offered on a fixed term basis.

Further details and an application form can be found here: https://cezanneondemand.intervieweb.it/turing/jobs/research-associate-data-science--machine-learning-in-human-rights-26849/en/

Should you have any queries, please email recruitment@turing.ac.uk

Closing date:  Thursday 6th October 2022, 23:59.