Researcher Fellow -Terrorism, Intelligence, Resilience and Organised Crime

Sheffield Hallam University - College of Business, Technology and Engineering - Research Centre - CENTRIC

Fixed-term for 24 months

Full time – 37 hours per week

Closing date: 29/03/2026 at 23:30

We are looking for a Research Fellow to join our team at CENTRIC, working across a variety of security sensitive projects and initiatives. You will contribute to exciting research opportunities specialising in the convergence of technical user requirements into applied capabilities for Law Enforcement Agencies with a strong focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and security. A key area within this role will be centred on the application of AI for protection against online harms.

You will contribute to the action-oriented and practitioner-focused co-creation, co-design and co-deployment of innovative capabilities for law enforcement agencies. This includes a key role in the on-going development and application of projects such as OSPREY, AIOLIA, and DETECTOR, amongst others. Although this is not a technical role, a good understanding of technology and emerging trends in technologies would be advantageous.

The role holder will prepare and conduct empirical (mixed-method) research. This will entail all steps from developing the conceptual frameworks and instruments to data collection and analysis. You will further support and engage with academic and non-academic partners in the UK and Europe in conducting their research activities, and in translating social science results into user requirements with partners to guide software development in the projects. You will be contributing to the delivery of EU project reports and academic publications.

You will have strong experience in applied research and information systems, digital humanities or AI to facilitate collaboration with technical partners. Experience in mixed-methods, Horizon Europe and/ or international contexts is a plus, but not essential.

CENTRIC are a multidisciplinary, security-focused research centre at The University. We collaborate with research, government, industry and security stakeholders to address contemporary security challenges at the local, national and international levels. We are a diverse team of researchers, technology specialists and security experts focused on delivering tangible solutions for law enforcement and other security stakeholders.

We offer a diverse range of benefits and opportunities to pursue a rewarding and fulfilling career in a supportive environment.

You will be contractually enrolled into the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) – one of the largest and most generous defined benefit pension schemes in the country.

Find out more about the TPS

If you are currently a member of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), you can choose to opt out of the TPS and remain in the USS.  Please contact the Pensions team to discuss options available.

Sheffield Hallam welcomes applications from all candidates irrespective of age, pregnancy and maternity, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, or marital or civil partnership status.

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international applicants in this role; this will depend on a number of factors specific to the individual applicant.

We recommend you download the job description and person specification when you apply, as this will not be available once the job has closed.