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- Tasks: Design and deliver impactful qualitative research on AI and technology's effects on society.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking foundation dedicated to making data and AI work for everyone.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, 28 days holiday, wellness support, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape emerging policies around AI while collaborating with diverse experts in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong qualitative research skills and interest in AI and social impacts.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture with a focus on personal growth and community connection.
The predicted salary is between 34700 - 47600 £ per year.
Salary: Starting from £41,767 per annum (negotiable based on experience).
Employment type: Two year fixed contract.
Hours: Full time (35 hours). Flexible/reduced hours and secondments considered.
Location: Farringdon, London. Our staff have the option to work from home for part of the week.
The role involves working closely with our Public Participation and Research Practice Lead to design, deliver, and support the development and impact of Ada’s qualitative and participatory research. This research looks deeply at how technologies are affecting people and communities across the UK, supporting Ada’s mission that data and AI works for everyone in society. The researcher will work on a range of multi-methods and mixed methods research projects, in close partnership with civil society organisations, communities and publics, and collaborating with colleagues from Ada’s other Directorates. This role may also advise on, or contribute to, the development of qualitative or public facing research undertaken by colleagues in other Directorates.
About you: We are looking for a researcher with excellent qualitative research skills and a strong interest/background in topics related to AI, data, and the social or ‘everyday’ impacts of technology. Candidates should be familiar with a range of qualitative approaches or methodologies, which may include forms of interview research, deliberative methods, or any techniques included under the participatory action research umbrella. We welcome new forms of expertise, experience and understanding, including practice-based knowledge and research experience gained through alternative routes.
You’ll enjoy working in a team environment, willing to jump into projects and keen to explore new social domains and emerging technologies that you may not be familiar with. You’ll appreciate the importance of rigorous research but also want to think creatively about communicating and influencing in novel ways (including engaging with both technical communities and lay audiences on these topics). This role is an excellent opportunity for an early career researcher to shape emerging policy and practice around AI and data-driven technologies. Working with an interdisciplinary team of social scientists, lawyers, policy experts, and more, you will have the opportunity to create research outputs that are designed to deliver Ada’s strategy and mission.
The closing date for applications is 09:30AM (GMT) on Wednesday 26th November 2025, with interviews anticipated to take place on 8th December 2025.
If you have any questions about the role ahead of applying (or need to make an application in a different format), please email recruitment@nuffieldfoundation.org and a member of the Nuffield Foundation’s HR team will respond to you.
We use the Applied platform to reduce potential cognitive biases in our hiring process. You will be required to complete some questions as part of this application process, and you are also required to upload an up-to-date copy of your CV. The Applied platform lets you save an application and resume it ahead of submitting before the application deadline.
The Nuffield Foundation and its Centres think deeply about the role of emerging technology in society. All recruitment decisions are made by a person (we do not use AI tools to rate or reject applicants). We ask applicants to respond to the questions using their own experience, thinking and opinion, writing in their own tone of voice rather than using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. The use of generative AI can result in generic responses to individual questions which stand out less to reviewers.
Please note that for vacancies which receive a high volume of applications, we may undertake an initial screening of CVs.
We are committed to inclusive working practices and during the application process we will:
- As a Disability Confident employer, we will offer an interview to a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the essential criteria for the job.
- Make any reasonable adjustments – for example providing documents in different formats, arranging for a sign language interpreter for interviews etc.
- Reimburse reasonable travel costs for interviews where in-person attendance is required.
Our benefits package includes:
- Genuine flexibility – we are open to requests for part-time hours, compressed working weeks, or job shares.
- 28 days holiday per annum and all public holidays (with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days).
- A salary exchange pension scheme that offers employer contributions of up to 11%.
- Family leave policies that provide an enhanced level of pay.
- Cycle to work scheme and loans towards season tickets.
- Regular opportunities for learning and development – including coaching, mentoring, and dedicated reading weeks to recharge and reflect.
- Support with your physical, mental and financial wellbeing including an employee assistance provider, a private GP service, personal health reviews with Bupa, a will and funeral planning service and a staff network of trained Mental Health First Aiders.
- A warm and welcoming workplace culture, with active peer groups and social networks to help you connect and belong.
Researcher in City of London employer: Ada Lovelace Institute
Contact Detail:
Ada Lovelace Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Researcher in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission and values, especially around AI and data. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with friends or mentors. Get comfortable discussing your research experience and how it relates to the role. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Researcher in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to hear your unique voice and perspective, so don’t be afraid to express your thoughts and experiences in a way that feels natural to you.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Researcher. Highlight your qualitative research skills and any relevant experience with AI and technology. This will help us see how you fit into our mission and the specific needs of the role.
Answer Thoughtfully: Take your time with the application questions. We’re looking for thoughtful responses that reflect your understanding of the impact of technology on society. Show us your critical thinking skills and how you approach research challenges!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s user-friendly and allows you to save your progress, so you can come back to it later if needed. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ada Lovelace Institute
✨Know Your Research Methodologies
Make sure you brush up on various qualitative research methods, especially those related to participatory action research. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methodologies in your past work or studies, as this will show your depth of understanding and relevance to the role.
✨Show Your Passion for AI and Data
Demonstrate your genuine interest in the social impacts of technology, particularly AI and data. Prepare examples of how you've engaged with these topics, whether through academic projects, personal interests, or professional experiences, to highlight your enthusiasm and commitment.
✨Prepare for Team Collaboration Questions
Since the role involves working closely with interdisciplinary teams, think about your past experiences in collaborative settings. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to team projects, resolved conflicts, or brought creative solutions to the table.
✨Communicate Clearly and Creatively
Practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms, as you'll need to engage both technical and lay audiences. Consider how you can creatively communicate your research findings or ideas, perhaps through storytelling or visual aids, to make a lasting impression during the interview.