Research Associate in AI and Data Privacy

About the Research Associate in AI and Data Privacy Role at UWE Bristol

Join UWE Bristol's Computer Science Research Centre as a Research Associate in AI and Data Privacy, contributing to the national "TREvolution" project. This ambitious initiative aims to establish a secure, AI-enabled network of Trusted Research Environments (TREs) within the UK, allowing approved researchers to safely access and analyze sensitive data for public benefit.

You will be at the forefront where advanced analytics, including federation and AI, intersects with critical data privacy concerns. The team focuses on developing tools to assess and manage the vulnerability of research outputs, such as statistics or trained AI models derived from sensitive data, against 'inference attacks' that could compromise confidential individual information.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement (using Python, extending SACRO toolkits), and conduct experiments to evaluate inference attacks and risk mitigation strategies for trained AI models.
• Assist in creating resources to communicate AI model privacy risk, including novel Risk Visualisation tools and 'hands-on' Training resources.
• Collaborate with DARE UK's 'real world exemplar projects' to understand needs and expand the SACRO tool family for broader use-cases.
• Integrate findings to enhance the scalability and applicability of the SACRO framework, embedding it within wider TREvolution project deliverables.

What this Role Offers

This position provides a unique chance to work alongside leading academics, policymakers, and industry experts. With access to advanced research facilities, you will contribute to high-quality publications, influence national policy, and explore innovative privacy risk management approaches. It's an opportunity to advance your research career and significantly impact data and advanced analytics potential.

About You

UWE Bristol is seeking dynamic researchers committed to delivering impactful research. You should be passionate about AI and data science, while also deeply respectful of privacy concerns and the need for inclusive benefits.

Candidates should hold (or be near completion of) a Masters degree in AI or Data Science. Success in this role requires thriving in collaborative environments and possessing strong communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders. Experience in various research methods and the confidence to select appropriate techniques are essential. An understanding of secure data environments is desirable.

Location and Benefits

This hybrid role is based within the School of Computing and Creative Technologies at UWE Bristol's vibrant Frenchay campus, offering state-of-the-art facilities. UWE Bristol is a large Higher Education provider in the South West, located in Bristol. Benefits include progressive pay, generous annual leave, a career average pension, retail savings, onsite nursery, and professional development opportunities. The university champions diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.

Key skills/competency

• AI Research
• Data Privacy
• Python Programming
• Inference Attacks
• Risk Mitigation
• SACRO Toolkits
• Advanced Analytics
• Machine Learning Models
• Collaborative Research
• Communication Skills