INCLUDE+/Ofcom Fellowship: The risks and opportunities associated with chatbots using generative AI for children

The Inclusive Digital Economy Network+ (INCLUDE+), led by Professor Helen Thornham (University of Leeds), is seeking a post doctoral or doctoral researcher to undertake a short-term 'fellowship' in collaboration with Ofcom. This is a full-time role for 3 months, beginning in May 2024, at Grade 7. Because this post is externally funded by a research project, it is likely the appointment will be made at the bottom of the Grade 7 scale. The post will involve remote working with occasional visits to Ofcom's offices in Manchester or London (travel expenses provided). Further details about the INCLUDE+ Fellowship programme can be found at https://includeplus.org/about/include-fellowships/. 
 
Context
Protection of children online is a key work area for Ofcom as it prepares to regulate online safety. In an emerging technological environment, Ofcom seeks to better understand the risks that new technologies may pose to children and, in particular, how these risks interact with content harmful to children, and how this relates to legislation. In addition, Ofcom is keen to develop a range of ways of working with academics, and this fellowship is a useful opportunity to establish processes for enabling future collaborations.
 
The Fellow will undertake independent research into the risks and opportunities associated with chatbots using generative AI for children. The aim of the project is to understand children’s use of chatbots which use generative AI via a review of existing research, policy and recent technological developments in this area. As part of this work, the research should ideally identify where children are likely to engage with chatbots using generative AI, including documenting emerging developments in this area, for example, where this technology is embedded in services popular among children.

Responsibilities of the role
•	Establishing the context and scope - the fellow will attend a briefing (in person or online), to understand and discuss the context of the work, before refining the scope of the excercise, in collaboration with Ofcom and a co-investigator of INCLUDE+.
•	Desk-based research of the existing evidence base and emerging research from in-progress academic projects, conference proceedings or industry events. This should include gathering of related press releases or industry announcements about online services innovations in this area. This phase may coincide with further announcements from Government or changes to the Online Safety Bill, in which case Ofcom will work closely with the Fellow post Royal Assent to assess the scope of this research where relevant.
•	Analysis and production of outputs - the fellow will give an internal presentation to Ofcom, as well as producing an external written report.
Required experience/skills
•	Essential knowledge or understanding of generative AI  
•	Essential knowledge of children’s experiences online  
•	Strong research and analysis skills to conduct and produce literature review
•	Ability to interpret data and identify key points and insights;
•	Strong written communications skills, including report writing and editing;
•	Strong oral communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with the Ofcom policy team, most of whom are not academic or technology specialists. 
•	Appreciation of and desire to promote Ofcom's values of excellence, agility, empowerment, collaboration and respect.

To Apply
Please send a CV and a short paragraph explaining why you would like the position and what relevant experience you have in an email to INCLUDE+ Coordinator Rosie Wilkinson ([log in to unmask]) by 2nd May, 2024.
 
Any questions should be addressed to [log in to unmask] 

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