Research Fellow: Language Machines Project – English, Drama and Creative Studies- 108223-Grade 7

These 3 posts form part of a 3-year AHRC-funded research grant, 'Language Machines: the Arts & Humanities' Contributions to Artificial Intelligence Innovation', led by Dr Rebecca Roach and with co-leads based at the University of Birmingham.

Language Machines addresses four linked challenges. Firstly, the significant contributions the Arts & Humanities (A&H) have made to Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation historically are poorly understood. Secondly, the challenges posed by generative artificial intelligences' (GAI) transformations of our linguistic reading practices today require A&H expertise. Thirdly, the language used to render AI today is inaccessible (high-level maths or metaphors of sentience), which impedes public understanding. Lastly, as a society we are missing out on the creative possibilities that the A&H offer for future AI innovation, usage, and regulation.

The project looks both forward and back. The historical component aims to recover the central (but occluded) role of the A&H in creating and analysing AI, mapping three innovative networks of experimenters working with language, meaning, reading, and machines at crucial moments before, during, and immediately after the advent of digital computing. The contemporary component utilises these historical discoveries as the basis for a series of experiments that analyse GAIs' current reading practices, both to develop key findings which articulate and champion the methods, expertise, and practical innovations that the A&H provide, and to utilise such innovation in the creative design and deployment of GAIs in future.

Applicants with expertise in humanistic modes of enquiry and interdisciplinary working are encouraged to apply. Specialism in twentieth-century British literature and culture, book history, archival research, quantitative methods, database development, and/or digital history are an advantage.

Role Summary:
- Work within the Language Machines project and contribute to the generation of new knowledge
- Operate within the project's areas of specialism
- Analyse and interpret research findings and results

Main Duties:
- Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor
- Analyse and interpret research data
- Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
- Disseminate research findings for publications, research seminars, etc.
- Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
- Undertake management/administration arising from research
- Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
- Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
- Collect research data through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, archival research, textual analysis and research interviews
- Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
- Foster a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
- Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures

Person Specification:
- A PhD relevant to the research area (or near completion), or equivalent PhD level qualifications
- High level analytical capability
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Fluency in relevant models, theories, and methods, and ability to contribute to developing new ones
- Ability to assess resource requirements and to use resources effectively
- Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
- Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
- Ability to co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010, including fostering good relations and advancing the university's Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)