Research Associate in Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing

Dunhillmedical; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 41 days

Hybrid working opportunities

Generous pension scheme

Staff networks and discounts

Job summary

The University of Sheffield is seeking a Research Associate in Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing to advance methods for detecting online misinformation. You will work on near-real-time narrative analysis, explainable ML, and evaluation of AI tools in collaboration with journalists and researchers.

You will publish novel techniques, lead cross-disciplinary work, and contribute to open research questions while maintaining robust documentation and ethical practices.

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in NLP/ML/computational social science.
• Excellent track record in ML/NLP methods for social media or disinformation.
• Proficiency in deep learning and NLP frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Transformers, Hugging Face).
• Strong publication record in relevant fields.
• Experience evaluating chatbot accuracy and AI-generated search outputs.
• Experience with explainable NLP/ML methods.
• Experience with LLMs and prompt tuning for domain tasks.
• Ability to collaborate with international partners.
• Creative problem-solving and milestone management.

Responsibilities

• Apply NLP and ML to analyse online disinformation in near-real-time streams.
• Evaluate accuracy of online chatbots and AI-generated search overviews.
• Develop explainable, robust, and scalable narrative analysis tools.
• Set milestones, maintain documentation, and ensure timely delivery.
• Collaborate with consortium partners, technical teams, and external stakeholders.
• Publish findings in top journals and present at conferences.
• Train researchers and staff in interdisciplinary research skills.
• Embed ethical AI principles and sustainability into daily work.

Skills

NLP

Machine learning

Deep learning

Python

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Transformers

Hugging Face

LLMs

Prompt engineering

Education

PhD in NLP/ML/Computational Social Science

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Transformers

Hugging Face

Job description

Research Associate in Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing

Working at Sheffield

Full-time, working at least 60% on-site

Fixed-term

Salary per annum (£): £39,560 - £43,099

Closing date: 08/11/2026

Overview

As a Research Associate in the GATE (General Architecture for Text Engineering) team, you will conduct cutting-edge research in detecting and analysing online misinformation. Your work will advance explainable methods from machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) to analyse false and misleading narratives spreading over time and online platforms, working in close collaboration with journalists and fact-checkers. You will also evaluate the accuracy of information provided by widely used chatbots (eg ChatGPT) and AI-generated search overviews. You will follow ethical and legal protocols, ensuring that the AI methods are reliable and robust to adversarial attacks.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Apply natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning techniques to analyse online disinformation narratives in near-real-time social media streams.
• Evaluate the accuracy of online chatbots and AI-generated search overviews.
• Implement explainable, robust, and scalable narrative analysis tools capable of processing large-scale social media streams.
• Set project milestones, test methodologies, maintain documentation, and ensure timely delivery of project deliverables.
• Meet regularly with consortium partners, technical teams, and external stakeholders to align research with practical impact.
• Publish novel techniques and findings in top-tier journals and present at relevant academic, industry, and policy conferences.
• Collaborate effectively with researchers, PhD students, and technical staff across the department and partner organisations.
• Deliver and undertake training in interdisciplinary research skills, including but not limited to NLP, machine learning, social media analysis, web service development and deployment, and computational social sciences.
• Make ethical decisions in research activities – prioritising human rights, freedom of expression, and ethical AI principles – while embedding sustainability into daily work.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

A PhD, or within one month of completion, in natural language processing, machine learning or computational social science.

Essential

Application

An excellent track record in machine learning / NLP methods for social media, narrative, or disinformation analysis.

Essential

Application/interview

Proficiency in deep learning and NLP frameworks (eg PyTorch, TensorFlow, Transformers, Hugging Face).

Essential

Application/interview

A strong track record of scientific publications.

Essential

Application/interview

Understanding of principles for evaluating the accuracy of widely used chatbots (eg ChatGPT) and AI-generated search overviews

Desirable

Application/interview

Experience in explainable NLP/ML methods.

Essential

Application/interview

Experience in using large language models (LLMs) and prompt engineering/tuning for domain-specific applications.

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to collaborate closely with international collaborators to deliver cross-disciplinary research and publications.

Essential

Application/interview

Creative problem-solving abilities and a strong capacity to manage project milestones, technical documentation, and tight deliverables.

Essential

Application/interview

Further Information

Grade

Grade 7

Salary

£39,560 - £43,099

Work arrangement

Full-time, working at least 60% on-site

Duration

18 months

Line manager

Professor of Text Analytics (project lead)

Direct reports

None

Right to work in the UK

If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website .

Our website

https://sheffield.ac.uk/cs

For informal inquiries about this job contact Professor Kalina Bontcheva, project lead, at [e-mail]

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the interviews will take place in the week commencing 16th November. During the interview, you will be expected to give a short presentation and answer technical and non-technical questions about your previous work and experience. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the interview stage in the week commencing 9th November. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact [e-mail]

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision

What we offer

• A minimum of 41days annual leave, including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development with access to learning and mentoring schemes, integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • access to menopause support in the workplace
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision ( www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision ) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.