Research Associate in Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing

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., * 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.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more., A PhD, or within one month of completion, in natural language processing, machine learning or computational social science., Proficiency in deep learning and NLP frameworks (eg PyTorch, TensorFlow, Transformers, Hugging Face)., Understanding of principles for evaluating the accuracy of widely used chatbots (eg ChatGPT) and AI-generated search overviews, Experience in using large language models (LLMs) and prompt engineering/tuning for domain-specific applications., Ability to collaborate closely with international collaborators to deliver cross-disciplinary research and publications., Creative problem-solving abilities and a strong capacity to manage project milestones, technical documentation, and tight deliverables.

• 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

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university., 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.