About the Opportunity

Position overview

Title: Student Research Assistant

Location: Working remotely with regular meetings in Devon House

Term: Approximately 10 hours until 31st May 2026

Start: January 2026

The research project

The Principal Investigator (PI) is Professor Brian Ball.

The project aims to translate research undertaken by the PI and colleagues in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information Ethics for use beyond academia facilitate its dissemination and collect and analyse evidence of its impact. More specifically the PI has been working with colleagues at the Computational Philosophy Lab and beyond as well as alumni of the MA in Philosophy and AI to cultivate awareness of the need for AI and Information Ethics (AI&IE) and develop understanding of how it can be implemented by development teams in corporate governance and at the regulatory level. The present project will carry that work further facilitating engagement with non-academic audiences and collecting and where appropriate analysing evidence pertaining to its impact.

ROLE SUMMARY

The projects research assistant (RA) will work with the PI colleagues at the Computational Philosophy Lab (CPL) and others at Northeastern University London (e.g. within Research Services) and beyond to support efforts to engage non-academic audiences with NUL research in AI&IE. Central to this project is helping to translate the contents of the research output The 3D Model of Ethical AI Practice (and related work by the PI and co-authors) into usable materials for stakeholders within corporate governance. Related activities will include general dissemination (e.g. via the web) directed (e.g. email) correspondence with AI&IE stakeholders to facilitate use of the research and gathering evidence of use and benefit of the research outside of academia.

This role will ideally be related to the students area of study and will involve a mix of communicating with non-academic stakeholders designing/developing materials and developing web content. The research project will provide the opportunity for the role holder to learn about research translation and impact including evidence gathering. Guidance will be provided by the PI and others and will build on the existing skills of the role holder.

Duties and responsibilities

The Principal Investigator (supervising faculty) determines the goals to assist in the preparation for and achievement of the overall project; these may include the following and/or other duties specific to the objectives:

• Plan write and edit materials for the translation of AI&IE research undertaken by the PI and collaborator(s) for use by non-academic audiences.

• Support the dissemination of these and related materials to stakeholders (e.g. by means of website management emails etc.).

• Collect feedback (e.g. stakeholder letters) and other data on the impact of this research.

• Interpret synthesize and analyse this data

• Meet with faculty supervisor on regular basis to maintain ongoing communication regarding the quality of the assistants performance.

• Perform other related duties as required.

Scope of the Assistantship

The Research Assistant will work on dedicated tasks as indicated above.

The RA will at times work online and will be expected to have the necessary equipment (laptop/PC internet connection standard licensed software package College licensed library resources access etc) to work remotely.

Supervision

The Research Assistant will be supervised by Professor Brian Ball. This is envisaged to be on a fortnightly basis or as required.

Engagement and remuneration

The expectation is that the Research Assistant will work ca. 10 hours per week. This can be discussed with the Supervisor subject to study commitments and schedules of the Research Assistant.

Applicant specification

Education/Experience

• Current enrolment in the undergraduate or graduate studies programs with experience and authority in the subject matter of AI and Information Ethics.

Skills/Abilities

• Subject knowledge and oral/written communication skills to discuss and document research progress.

• Interest in the Philosophy of AI including AI and Information Ethics.

• Ability to work independently accurately and to problem solve technical and methodological issues that arise during the course of the research.

• Ability to apply sound research techniques methodology and logical critical analysis.

• Experience of preparing reports to a high standard.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

• Strong digital skills (e.g. for web maintenance). The ability to code in Python (e.g. for natural language processing) is an asset but not a requirement.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications should be made via Workday.

Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged but voluntary.

Applications must include a covering letter of no more than 400 words and a full curriculum vitae of maximum two pages.

Position Type

Additional Information

About the University

Northeastern University London (NU London) is a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London and is part of Northeastern Universitys global campus network.

Overlooking the River Thames near Tower Bridge NU London offers academically challenging educational programmes designed to inspire innovative thinking encourage interdisciplinary study and provide global experiences. The bright and modern campus offers award winning contemporary facilities for students and staff including state of the art audio visual technology in its teaching and meeting spaces.

Inspired by excellence infused with an energy of ideas and ability in motion at NU London being a part of our staff is to be a part of a collective of entrepreneurs and educators builders and London is growing quickly offering opportunity and growth for our staff. Currently hosting 1500 students our aim is to have 4000 students by 2028/29.

Choose NU London

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents the University supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance your health and wellness are of utmost importance to us and our offerings encompass:

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays and winter break holidays (normally 2 days between Christmas and New Year).

• Access to personalised Continuous Professional Development (CPD) plans and opportunities.

• Support with private medical insurance.

• Eye test reimbursement.

• Cycle Scheme vouchers.

• 24/7 employee assistance/ support via our Employee Assistance Programme.

• Access to deals and discounts for food & shopping in the local area.

Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be made to However all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.

Application process

Applications should be made viaby 00:00 on

Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged but voluntary.

Applications must include a covering letter of no more than one page that addresses the criteria for the role and a full curriculum vitae.

The panel will be shortlisting for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications.

Please note all employees of Northeastern University London are required to undergo at least a basic DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard protect and promote the welfare of our students and staff and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London.

For staffs own wellbeing for part time roles the expectation is if you have multiple roles they should not exceed full time (37.5 hours per week) and for full time roles the expectation is that this will be your only role (apart from intermittent roles).

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from all underrepresented groups including the Global Majority. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.