Research Assistant

Role: Research Assistant 

Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank
Institute for Connected Communities
University of East London

Grade: E (Point 27)
Contract: 0.6FTE 12 months

Location: Stratford campus, University of East London

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 is proud to conduct research that addresses real-world challenges and informs policy at national and international levels.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join the Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank, based within the Institute for Connected Communities (ICC). The Think Tank is an independent academic initiative 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 is an exciting opportunity to contribute and work across timely research projects focusing on online harms, well-being, support research funding development, and engage directly with community, third parties, industry and policymakers. The post holder will work closely with Professor Julia Davidson OBE, Director of ICC and the Think Tank, alongside a multidisciplinary research team.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Supporting and undertaking qualitative and quantitative research activities, including ethics applications, data collection and analysis
• Drafting research documentation such as participant information sheets, consent forms, topic guides and recruitment materials
• Preparing literature reviews, briefings, summaries, reports and policy-relevant outputs
• Managing participant data, anonymisation and secure data storage in line with GDPR
• Supporting safeguarding protocols and risk assessments
• Contributing to peer-reviewed publications, reports and policy briefings
• Supporting the wider activities of the Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank

The right candidate will have experience working across various teams and projects, and excellent knowledge of mixed-methods methodologies and common software (Nvivo, STATA/SPSS, Covidence). 

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

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

To contact the recruitment team please phone +44 20 8223 3000 x 4600 or e-mail jobs@uel.ac.uk

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.