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

Grade: Grade E, point scale 29 

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.

Equal Opportunities 

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. 

So, if you’d like to take your career to the next level with us here at the University of East London and are inspired by our environment and commit to success, we want you to apply today! 

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. 

Interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams.

Closing Date: 19 Oct 2026

Team: Research

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

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

Grade: G
Contract: 0.2FTE fixed term 1 year

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 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). 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 role offers an exciting opportunity to work as a Senior Research Fellow 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, contributing to the gaming study and collaborating on 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, Dr Boglarka Meggyesfalvi and the wider Team. 

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

·       To contribute to world-leading mixed-method research on online harms and child protection

·      To lead on the development of funding bids and in fund raising in the Think Tanks strategic areas, including understanding and responding to the impact of online multiplayer gaming on child and youth safeguarding.

·       To develop high quality research papers to be published in peer reviewed journals, reports and policy briefings. 

·       To play a contributing role in developing Think Tank stakeholder networks, particularly policy makers. 

·       To disseminate the work of the Think Tank widely working with a variety of stakeholders.

-       To manage 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.

Equal Opportunities 

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. 

So, if you’d like to take your career to the next level with us here at the University of East London and are inspired by our environment and commit to success, we want you to apply today! 

The role is expected to start as soon as possible following appointment.

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. 

Interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams.

Closing Date: 19 Oct 2026

Team: Research

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

East London Primary Care Education Centre (ELPCEC) 
Centre for Health Equity and Sustainable Societies (CHESS) 
University of East London

Grade: E (point scale 29) 
Contract: Fixed Term – 18 months, Part Time

Location: Stratford campus, University of East London (with community outreach across 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 Centre for Health Equity and Sustainable Societies (CHESS) Evaluation Unit, within the Institute for Connected Communities. The Evaluation Unit conducts applied research at the intersection of health, education and community wellbeing, leading rigorous, participatory evaluations of complex programmes that generate evidence which is actionable, equitable and grounded in lived experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the evaluation of the East London Primary Care Education Centre (ELPCEC), an 18-month pilot programme bringing together education, health and skills pathways for young people who are NEET, neurodiverse or facing multiple disadvantages. The post holder will work closely with Dr Darren Sharpe, Director of CHESS, and the wider programme team, engaging directly with young people, partner organisations and community settings across east London.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Supporting the design and delivery of a participatory evaluation framework, including developing accessible surveys, interviewguidesand creative research tools
• Recruiting,trainingand supporting young people to act as co-researchers, andfacilitatingcreative and participatory research activities
• Supporting qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, including thematic analysis and review of monitoring data
• Managing participant data,anonymisationand secure data storage in line with GDPR
• Drafting research documentation such as participant information sheets, consent forms and topic guides for young people and vulnerable groups
• Supporting safeguarding protocols and risk assessment procedures throughout all research activity
• Preparing evaluation briefings, reports and policy-relevant outputs, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications
• Liaising with partner organisations, schools and community organisations across Newham,Hackneyand Tower Hamlets

The right candidate will have a background in youth work and direct experience of participatory and creative research methods, along with existing knowledge of, and relationships within, youth-facing work in north or east London.

Due to the involvement of young people and vulnerable groups in the research, the successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams. 

Equal Opportunities 

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. 

So, if you’d like to take your career to the next level with us here at the University of East London and are inspired by our environment and commit to success, we want you to apply today! 

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. 

Closing Date: 19 Oct 2026

Team: Research

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