Research Associate / Postdoctoral Research Associate for Platform Engineering (JustN0W)

Durham University; North East; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Associate to contribute to an innovative AI project focused on compliance control systems. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, law, and sustainability, collaborating with leading experts in the field. You will develop software prototypes that analyze treaties and agreements, making a real-world impact on sustainability efforts. This fixed-term position provides a chance to engage in cutting-edge research while contributing to the strategic objectives of a leading university. Join us and be part of a transformative initiative!

Qualifications

• Candidates should have a background in Computer Science with a focus on software development.
• PhD holders are encouraged to apply, especially those passionate about software.

Responsibilities

• Develop an AI-enabled database for compliance control systems.
• Collaborate with researchers to implement AI-based solutions.

Skills

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Software Development

AI and Machine Learning

Research Methodology

Education

BSc in Computer Science

MSc in Computer Science

PhD in relevant field

Tools

AI Frameworks

Database Management Systems

Job description

The Role and Department

As part of the Computer Science Department, you will work closely with colleagues from the Law School, as well as potentially from Economics and Biosciences. Your role will contribute to the strategically important research objectives of Durham University's internationally leading JusTN0W initiative (Just Transitions to a Net Zero World).

The Computer Science Department at Durham is one of the UK's leading institutions in the field, renowned for its cutting-edge research, excellence in teaching, and strong student employability outcomes.

We Invite Applications For a Research Associate or Postdoctoral Research Associate

To join the JusTN0W Initiative under the supervision of Dr. Nelly Bencomo. We particularly encourage applications from:

• Candidates with a BSc or MSc in a CS discipline interested in an academic career and software development.
• PhD holders passionate about software development over other academic research aspects.
• Individuals interested in pursuing a PhD at Durham University.
• Applicants seeking flexible working arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

Working with the Principal Investigators (PIs) and Co-Investigators (Co-Is) of JusTN0W, you will contribute to developing a framework and software prototype for an AI-based compliance control system. This system will utilize Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs) to analyze treaties and agreements, such as bilateral agreements relevant for operationalizing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

Your Role Will Involve

• Developing an AI-enabled database to identify and resolve terminological and conceptual ambiguities.
• Creating methods to assess existing and new agreements and treaties, forming the basis for best practice guidelines.
• Collaborating with social science researchers to design and implement the AI-based compliance control system.
• Delivering a functional software prototype for use by JusTN0W stakeholders and partners.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of AI, law, and sustainability, contributing to innovative research with real-world impact.

This is a fixed-term position for 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on future funding.

The post-holder will work on a research project led by a colleague. While not conducting independent research, they are expected to contribute to the project's advancement through developing their own research ideas and protocols.

Successful applicants should ideally be in post by June 2025.

The University must ensure compliance with immigration requirements, including salary thresholds applicable to certain visas.