Location
Stratford Campus, University of East London

Hours
Part Time - 7 hours per week (0.2 FTE)

Salary
£53,040 to £60,752 per annum inclusive of London Weighting

Contract
Fixed Term - 12 months

About the Role
The University of East London (UEL) is a careers-led, forward-thinking institution committed to making a positive impact on students, graduates and the communities it serves. As one of the most diverse universities in London, UEL conducts research that addresses real-world challenges and informs policy at national and international levels.

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Fellow/expert in child online harms to join the Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank, based within the Institute for Connected Communities (ICC). This independent academic initiative is dedicated to influencing policy on child online safety, identifying legislative gaps, addressing emerging risks from AI, VR and new technologies, and conducting cutting-edge research.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of the Think Tank, lead research on the impact of online multiplayer gaming on child and youth safeguarding, collaborate on funding development, and engage directly with policy makers to promote the work. The post holder will work closely with the Director Professor Davidson OBE, Dr Boglarka Meggyesfalvi, and the wider team.

Main duties include contributing to world-leading mixed-method research on online harms and child protection, leading funding bids and fundraising efforts, developing high quality research papers for peer-reviewed journals, reports and policy briefings, building stakeholder networks particularly with policy makers, disseminating the Think Tank’s work widely, and managing junior staff as appropriate.

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

UEL is an inclusive, equal opportunities employer committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, reflected in its Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to closing the diversity pay gap.

The role is expected to start as soon as possible following appointment. Interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams.

Experience
Proven expertise in child online harms research, with experience in mixed-method research approaches. Demonstrated ability to lead funding bids and develop research projects. Experience engaging with policy makers and disseminating research findings effectively. Experience managing junior staff is desirable.

About you
Highly motivated and proactive individual with a strong commitment to child online safety. Excellent communication and networking skills to build and maintain stakeholder relationships. Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Qualifications
A relevant doctoral degree or equivalent experience in a related field is expected. Due to the nature of the role, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.