Working at Durham University A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a warm and friendly place to work, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other. As one of the UK's leading universities, Durham is an incredible place to define your career.The University is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside. Our talented scholars and researchers from around the world are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world. Being a part of Durham is about more than just the success of the University, it's also about contributing to the success of the city, county and community. Our University Strategy is built on three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on our keen sense of community and of inspiring others to achieve their potential. Our Purpose and Values We want our University to be a place where people can be free to be themselves, no matter what their identity or background. Together, we celebrate difference, value one another and are each responsible for creating an inclusive community that is respectful and fair for all. Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page The Role and Department As part of the Computer Science Department, you will work closely with colleagues from the Law School, as well as potentially colleagues from Economics and Biosciences. Your role will contribute to the strategically important research objectives of Durham University's internationally leading JusTN0W initiative (Just Transitions to a Net Zero World). The Computer Science Department at Durham is one of the UK's leading institutions in the field, renowned for its cutting-edge research, excellence in teaching, and strong student employability outcomes. We invite applications for a Research Associate or Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the JusTN0W Initiative under the supervision of Dr. Nelly Bencomo. We particularly encourage applications from: Candidates with a BSc or MSc in a CS discipline who are considering an academic career and have a strong interest in software development. PhD holders who have discovered a passion for software development over other aspects of academic research. Individuals interested in pursuing a PhD at Durham University. Flexible working arrangements are available for this position. Key responsibilities: Working closely with the Principal Investigators (PIs) and Co-Investigators (Co-Is) of JusTN0W, you will contribute to the development of a framework and software prototype for an AI-based compliance control system. This system will apply Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs) to analyze the compliance of treaties and agreements, including for example bilateral agreements that are particularly relevant for operationalizing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Your role will involve: Developing an AI-enabled database that identifies and resolves terminological and conceptual ambiguities. Creating a method for assessing both existing and new agreements and treaties, which will form the foundation for best practice guidelines. Collaborating with a team of social science researchers to design and implement the AI-based compliance control system. Delivering a functional software prototype to be used by JusTN0W stakeholders and collaboration partners. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of AI, law, and sustainability, contributing to innovative research with real-world impact. At Grade 6: To understand and convey information which needs careful explanation to the team or group of people through presentations, discussions and meetings. To write up results of research work, present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research in a clear and accurate manner. To analyse or undertake basic research by deciding how best to apply existing methodology and software according to overall context and objectives. To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigators and offering creative or innovative solutions. To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline. To engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses. To assist in contributing to support student projects on the use of research methods and equipment. And additionally, at Grade 7 only: To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that lead to the presentation of research papers or software releases in conferences and publications. To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences, and existing and potential new software users. To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigators. To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals. To conduct individual and collaborative research software development projects under the direction of the Principal Investigators. To work with the Principal Investigator and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research software portfolio. To liaise with research colleagues (in particular users of the software) and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration. To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate. To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate. This post is fixed term for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension from future funding. The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols. Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by June 2025. Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: • 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 42 days per year. • The University closes between Christmas and New Year. • We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS). • No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. • There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. • Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. • On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16. • Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). • The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community • Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. • A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. • If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas. Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here. Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It's important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. Person Specification Essential Criteria: Qualifications A good first degree in Computer Science or a related subject. At Grade 6, a Masters in Data Science, Computer Science or a related subject. At Grade 7, a PhD (or be close to submission) in Data Science, Computer Science or a related subject. Experience At Grade 6, experience in conducting basic academic research or providing research assistance, including the use of standard research methods. At Grade 7, experience in conducting high quality academic research. Experience in: Python, specifically experience with Python AI libraries, e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow Experience with data manipulation libraries, e.g. Pandas Data processing pipelines, e.g. Apache Spark/Airflow Maybe database, SQL or MongoDB Demonstrable ability to produce concise and well-written reports for a range of stakeholders. At Grade 7, experience of preparing academic papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals or at conferences, symposia or meetings, commensurate with stage of career. Skills Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings. At Grade 6, ability to manage time effectively and work to strict deadlines; at Grade 7, additionally, the ability to work independently on own initiative. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to liaise with a range of stakeholders. Desirable Criteria Experience Ability to assist in the provision of support to student projects. Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics. Experience of preparing academic papers. Skills Demonstrable skills in server/infrastructure management Demonstrable skills in Containerisation (e.g. Docker, kubernetes) Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research. Ability to contribute to the planning and management of independent research. How to Apply To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria. While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. Submitting your application We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates. What to Submit All applicants are asked to submit: a CV and covering letter which details your experience, skills and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out below. We will notify you on the status of your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails. Contact Information Department contact for academic-related enquiries Dr Nelly Bencomo ( nelly.bencomodurham.ac.uk ) Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with abrief description of the problem you're experiencing toe.recruitmentdurham.ac.uk Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or 44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays). University contact for general queries about the recruitment process Next Steps Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will normally include an interview and we anticipate that the assessments and interviews will take place over two days in early to mid May 2025. In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date. Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.