About the Opportunity

The Research Project

The Principal Investigator (PI) is Professor Brian Ball. The Co-Investigator (co-I) is Dr Alice Helliwell.

The project relates to furthering the impact case study in Philosophy, developing research related to, and evidence of impact from, the investigative team’s 3D Model of Ethical AI Practice. That work itself forms just a part of the research philosophy colleagues are doing on AI ethics, and at the intersection of philosophy and computing (including AI) more generally.

The 3D Model is the research team’s attempt to resolve an issue that has arisen in AI Ethics over the past decade, namely how to operationalize and implement ethical principle in AI practice. The PI and co-I have worked with an industry partner, Pippa Labs, to test the implementation of the 3D model in a business context and now look to further that initiative, through activities dedicated to ensuring broader uptake for impact beyond academia.

Specifically, the team will work with our industry partner, and one or more research assistants, over the autumn and spring semesters, to (a) develop training materials, and (b) deliver a pilot one-day training workshop, on implementing the 3D model within a range of organizational contexts. We will also then (c) gather evidence of (i) the effectiveness of this training, and (ii) the impact of the model itself following organizational uptake.

The project will not only facilitate uptake of antecedently existing research; it will also produce an interdisciplinary research output in its own right that bolsters the impact case study within philosophy.

 Role Summary

The research assistant (RA) will work with the research team, and partners, to support the project.

Specifically, the RA will support the development of training materials related to the implementation of the 3D model in a corporate setting for use in the planned workshop. Some work has already been done translating the original research paper into more readily accessible form (e.g. two-page pdf) for corporate audiences; the RA’s role will be slightly different, helping the team to create materials that can be used in the projected workshop for training external parties in the implementatoin of the model in such settings.

There may also be scope within the role for work supporting the development and delivery of the planned workshop and/or the creation and maintenance of a list of external contacts who can provide evidence of impact of the model.

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 training materials for 3D model implementation and related research undertaken by the PI and collaborator(s) for use by non-academic audiences.
• Support the development and/or delivery of the planned workshop training external parties to teach the implementation of the 3D model in a corporate setting.
• Facilitate collection of feedback and other data on the impact of this research.
• Meet with faculty supervisor on regular basis to maintain ongoing communication regarding the quality of the assistant’s 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 and/or Dr Alice Helliwell as appropriate. 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.

Application Process

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

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

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 University’s 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 thinkers.  NU London is growing quickly, offering opportunity and growth for our staff. Currently hosting 1,500 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 [email protected]. However, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified. 

Application process 

​Applications should be made via by 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 staff’s 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.