The University of Sheffield 
Sheffield, United Kingdom Offer Summary
The University of Sheffield seeks a Research Associate in Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing for its GATE team. Based in Sheffield, this full-time role focuses on detecting online misinformation using explainable ML and NLP methods. Key responsibilities include analyzing social media narratives, evaluating chatbot accuracy, and developing robust narrative analysis tools. The position requires a PhD or imminent completion in NLP, machine learning, or computational social science, alongside proficiency in frameworks like PyTorch and experience with large language models. The successful candidate will publish research, collaborate with international partners, and ensure ethical AI standards. The salary ranges from £39,560 to £43,099 for an 18-month duration. Interviews are scheduled for mid-November.
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Project Description
Overview
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.
Additionally, you will lead the write-up and publication of novel research in top-tier journals, present findings at leading international conferences, and collaborate with consortium partners to translate technical discoveries into actionable toolkits. Dedicated funding is provided for conference travel, journal publications, and high-impact stakeholder demonstrations.
Main duties and responsibilities
- 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.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria | Essential or desirable | Stage(s) assessed at
A PhD, or within one month of completion, in natural language processing, machine learning or computational social science. | Essential | Application
An excellent track record in machine learning / NLP methods for social media, narrative, or disinformation analysis. | Essential | Application/interview
Proficiency in deep learning and NLP frameworks (eg PyTorch, TensorFlow, Transformers, Hugging Face). | Essential | Application/interview
A strong track record of scientific publications. | Essential | Application/interview
Understanding of principles for evaluating the accuracy of widely used chatbots (eg ChatGPT) and AI-generated search overviews | Desirable | Application/interview
Experience in explainable NLP/ML methods. | Essential | Application/interview
Experience in using large language models (LLMs) and prompt engineering/tuning for domain-specific applications. | Essential | Application/interview
Ability to collaborate closely with international collaborators to deliver cross-disciplinary research and publications. | Essential | Application/interview
Creative problem-solving abilities and a strong capacity to manage project milestones, technical documentation, and tight deliverables. | Essential | Application/interview
Further Information
Grade | Grade 7
Salary | £39,560 - £43,099
Work arrangement | Full-time, working at least 60% on-site
Duration | 18 months
Line manager | Professor of Text Analytics (project lead)
Direct reports | None
Right to work in the UK | If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
Our website | sheffield.ac.uk
For informal inquiries about this job contact Professor Kalina Bontcheva, project lead, at K.Bontcheva@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the interviews will take place in the week commencing 16th November. During the interview, you will be expected to give a short presentation and answer technical and non-technical questions about your previous work and experience. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the interview stage in the week commencing 9th November. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact COM-Recruitment@sheffield.ac.uk
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision
What we offer
- A minimum of 41days annual leave, including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- 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
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
