Research Assistant

Business Advice Centre at the University of East London (BAC); Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of East London invites applications for a Research Assistant in the Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank, housed within the Institute for Connected Communities. The role is 0.4 FTE (part-time) on a fixed-term basis, based at Stratford campus, with interviews remotely via Teams.

You will contribute to research funding development, conduct cutting-edge research in priority areas, and engage with policy makers to promote the work, working closely with the Director and the team.

Responsibilities

• Undertake research activities, including but not limited to supporting ethics applications, data collection, analysis, and other relevant cutting-edge research in priority areas.
• Draft key research-specific documents, including but not limited to information sheets, consent forms, topic guides, and research recruitment materials
• Keep records and accounts of the management of the project
• Prepare short briefings, summaries and literature reviews as required
• Manage participant data and anonymisation
• Record findings
• Support risk assessments and safeguarding protocols
• Maintain secure data storage in line with GDPR and institutional policy
• To develop high-quality research papers to be published in peer-reviewed journals, reports and policy briefings
• To support the Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank efforts as needed
• To disseminate the work of the Think Tank widely, working with a variety of stakeholders.

Job description

Salary
£39,824 to £45,281per annum inclusive of London Weighting

Post Type
Part Time

Post Type
Fixed Term

Closing Date
Monday 19 October 2026

Interview Date
To be confirmed

Reference
1732-26-RA

Job Title: Research Assistant

School: Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank, Institute for Connected Communities

Campus: Stratford

Contract: 0.4 FTE

ABOUT UNIVERSITY EAST LONDON:

The University of East London has been pioneering futures since 1898: from the 2nd Industrial Revolution through to where we are now, the 4th. We are a careers-led university, dedicated to supporting our students to develop the skills, emotional intelligence and creativity needed to thrive in a constantly changing world.

Vision 2028 has been developed to transform our curriculum, pedagogy, research impact and partnerships to make a positive difference to student, graduate and community success. Our ambitious but achievable goal is to become the leading careers-focused, enterprising university in the UK, one which both prepares our students for the jobs of the future and provides the innovation to drive that future sustainably and inclusively.

The University of East London is one of the most diverse and vibrant universities in the global capital. Our pioneering and forward-thinking vision is making a positive and significant impact to the communities we serve, inspiring both our staff and students to reach their full potential.

THE INSTITUTE and THE THINK TANK:

The Institute for Connected Communities (ICC) is engaged in world leading research into online harms and youth cybercrime, health and well-being. ICC has attracted funding from UK research councils (NIHR, ESRC, AHRC), charitable trusts, NHS, European Commission, UNICEF, national and international government departments, we also work closely with industry partners. The Child Online Harms Think Tank is in ICC and is an independent academic initiative dedicated to informing and influencing policy on child online safety. Our aim is to identify gaps in existing legislation, address emerging risks posed by AI, VR and other new technologies, and champion children’s digital rights.

JOB PURPOSE:

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work as a Research Assistant at the Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank. We are seeking a highly motivated individual who will be expected to make a strong contribution to the development of the Think Tank, supporting on research funding development, undertaking cutting-edge research in priority areas and engaging directly with policy makers to promote the work. The post holder will work closely with the Director Professor Davidson OBE and the wider Team.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To undertake research activities, including but not limited to supporting ethics applications, data collection, analysis, and other relevant cutting-edge research in priority areas.
• To draft key research-specific documents, including but not limited to information sheets, consent forms, topic guides, and research recruitment materials
• Keep records and accounts of the management of the project
• Prepare short briefings, summaries and literature reviews as required
• Manage participant data and anonymisation
• Record findings
• Support risk assessments and safeguarding protocols
• Maintain secure data storage in line with GDPR and institutional policy
• To develop high-quality research papers to be published in peer-reviewed journals, reports and policy briefings
• To support the Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank efforts as needed
• To disseminate the work of the Think Tank widely, working with a variety of stakeholders.

Due to the sensitive nature of the research, the successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

As an inclusive, equal-opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing dedication to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and we’re committed to closing the "diversity pay gap". We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and honest that there’s more to do. We’re determined to keep moving forward so everyone at UEL can thrive.

Interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams.

CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.

At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive.