Research Associate (Human Centred AI)

Manchester Metropolitan University – School of Computing, Maths and Digital Tech

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking a Research Associate to join an exciting National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded project exploring how Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) can support people with learning disabilities in their daily lives.

This innovative project explores the potential of using GenAI to support the daily lives of people with learning disabilities who access social care while empowering people to co-design novel and impactful solutions with expert technical support. The successful candidate will work closely with academic staff and project partners in co-designing and evaluating AI-enabled systems and contribute to research in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Assistive Technology.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated researcher to contribute to impactful interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI, social care and inclusive technology. This is a fixed-role position ending 31st July 2027 and is 18.5 hours per week.

About the Role

You will play a key role in delivering research activities across the project, including the design and deployment of AI systems, conducting user studies with people with learning disabilities and carers, and dissemination of findings through publications and presentations.

Working with senior research staff in computing, and social care and social work, you will collaborate with advocacy groups and social care service providers to advance understanding of the potential of GenAI in the lives of people with learning disabilities and within social care practice.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and conducting user studies and participatory design activities with people with learning disabilities and carers.
• Developing and integrating AI-driven systems and prototypes across hardware platforms.
• Conducting research into developments in AI, Human Computer Interaction and Assistive Technologies.
• Analysing qualitative and quantitative data and presenting findings.
• Preparing publications for journals and conferences.
• Supporting dissemination through seminars and research events.
• Managing defined elements of the research project.
• Working collaboratively with academic staff and external partners.

The role will involve engagement with people with learning disabilities and their carers, and travel to data collection sites, workshops and conferences.

About You

You will be a skilled researcher with expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Human-Computer Interaction and an interest in applying technology to improve lives.

You should have:

• A PhD (completed or near completion) in Computer Science or a related discipline.
• Strong programming skills (e.g. Python, JavaScript or C++).
• Experience working with Generative AI technologies.
• Experience deploying and integrating AI models across different platforms.
• Experience conducting research involving user studies and evaluation.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly in writing and presentations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Desirable experience includes:

• Leading research activities or small research teams.
• Publications appropriate to career stage.
• Experience presenting at conferences.
• Experience developing research collaborations or funding proposals.
• Experience working with or engaging people with learning disabilities.

About the Department

The Department of Computing and Mathematics is a dynamic and growing research community with strengths in Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction and Data Science. The department works closely with industry, public sector partners and community organisations to deliver research with real-world impact.

To Apply:

To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter (of no more than 2 pages) via our application portal (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button).

For informal discussions regarding the role's requirements and expectations, please contact Dr Misbahu Zubair (Misbahu.zubair@mmu.ac.uk).

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the Job Description for that vacancy.