Senior Research Fellow, Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON Research Field Juridical sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 17 Feb 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Location Stratford Campus

Salary £53,040 to £60,752 per annum inclusive of London Weighting

Post Type Full Time

Post Type Fixed Term

Contract Length 24 months

Closing Date Tuesday 17 February 2026

Interview Date Wednesday 08 April 2026

Reference 0194-26-R

Role: Senior Research Fellow

Child Online Harms Policy

Think Tank Institute for Connected Communities

University of East London

Grade: G

Contract:

Full Time fixed term 2 years

Location: Stratford campus, University of East London

The University of East London (UEL) is a careers-led, forward-thinking institution committed to making a positive impact on students, graduates and the communities it serves. As one of the most diverse universities in London, UEL is proud to conduct research that addresses real-world challenges and informs policy at national and international levels.

We are seeking a
highly motivated Senior Research Fellow/expert in child online harms
to join the
Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank
, based within the Institute for Connected Communities (ICC). The Think Tank is an independent academic initiative dedicated to influencing policy on child online safety, identifying legislative gaps, addressing emerging risks from AI, VR and new technologies, and conducting cutting-edge research.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work as a Senior Research Fellow at the Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank. We are seeking a highly motivated individual who will be expected to make a strong contribution to the development of the Think Tank, leading on research funding development, undertaking cutting edge research in priority areas and engaging directly with policy makers to promote the work.

The post holder will work closely with the Director Professor Davidson OBE and the wider Team.

MAIN

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To lead on the development of funding bids and in fund raising in the Think Tanks strategic areas, including the impact of VR and AI on child safeguarding.
• To develop high quality research papers to be published in peer reviewed journals, reports and policy briefings.
• To play a leading role in developing Think Tank stakeholder networks, particularly policy makers.
• To disseminate the work of the Think Tank widely working with a variety of stakeholders.
• To manage junior staff as appropriate

Due to the sensitive nature of the research, the successful candidate will be subject to a
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
.

Interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams.

The role is expected to start as soon as possible following appointment.

CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.

At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive