Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

About the role

In this role you will support the delivery of two exciting, EPSRC‑funded research programmes at the University of Nottingham, working across AI, human‑computer interaction, and creative technology. Approximately 60 % of the work will be on the “Here I Am: AI‑Assisted Life Story Work for Everyday Dementia Care” feasibility project led by Dr Tom Lodge, and the remaining 40 % will support the Somabotics: Creatively Embodying Artificial Intelligence fellowship led by Professor Steve Benford. The post is based in the School of Computer Science on the Jubilee Campus, Nottingham, under the joint supervision of Dr Tom Lodge and Professor Steve Benford. The appointment starts 1 December 2026 for a fixed term of one year (full time, 36.25 hours per week). Closing date: Tuesday 06 October 2026.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate co‑design workshops and shape prototypes for the “Here I Am” project.
• Conduct participant‑facing research with people living with dementia and their family carers.
• Collect and analyse data, and help translate findings into a protocol for follow‑on research.
• Deliver soma design workshops and collaborate with artists on the Somabotics programme.
• Prototype with soft and rigid robots and run mixed‑methods user studies.
• Contribute to the conceptual, methodological and ethical thinking behind Somabotics.
• Co‑author papers and other research outputs.
• Build trust and rapport with participants, applying sound understanding of research ethics, safeguarding, data protection and informed consent.

Requirements

• Practical experience applying AI and/or NLP tools (e.g., conversational agents) in research or applied contexts, together with strong analytical skills.
• Experience designing and conducting user studies with members of the public, including vulnerable or hard‑to‑reach groups.
• Confident, empathetic communicator.
• Experience of participatory or co‑design methods, accessibility and inclusive design principles, soma design, robot prototyping and artist‑led methods (essential).
• Prior experience in digital health and social care is advantageous.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with participants and a sound understanding of research ethics, safeguarding, data protection and informed consent.

Qualifications

• Hold, or be near completion of, a PhD in Computer Science, Human‑Computer Interaction, Digital Health, Psychology, or a related discipline.

Skills

• Conversational AI and natural language processing.
• User study design and execution with diverse participants.
• Co‑design and participatory workshop facilitation.
• Accessibility and inclusive design practice.
• Soma design methodology.
• Soft and rigid robot prototyping.
• Artist‑led collaboration methods.
• Mixed‑methods research and data analysis.
• Protocol development for follow‑on studies.
• Academic writing and paper co‑authorship.
• Trust building, empathy, and interpersonal communication.
• Research ethics, safeguarding, data protection, and informed consent procedures.

Pay

Salary £32,080 to £35,608 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

Schedule

Hours of work are full time (36.25 hours per week).