We are seeking an interdisciplinary RA to join ARISE, a UKRI-funded research programme focused on building resilience in the UK’s coastal seas and communities. This 30-month post forms part of an exciting strand of work exploring the role of creativity in education, healthcare, and well-being within coastal communities, and aims to develop innovative, ecologically valid methods for understanding and supporting evaluation of creative processes. Central to this role is the design of a suite of digital systems for this evaluation, including AI, that are not only technically robust but also inclusive and grounded in real-world human experience.

As a Research Associate you can expect to:

• Co-lead the development of a novel mixed-methods framework that combines qualitative insight with scalable digital methods.
• Conduct in-depth qualitative analysis (e.g. thematic and narrative coding) to understand creative processes.
• Collaborate with external partners (educators, artists, healthcare workers,[CS1.1] technologists) in co-designed research and evaluation.

What you will bring to the role:

• A relevant postgraduate degree (PhD) or equivalent
• Proven experience in conducting research projects, including observational and interpretive methods, data collection and analysis
• Practical experience using and integrating AI tools or APIs (e.g. NLP models, computer vision, AI agents) into research prototypes or applications

Please note that you may be required to work on-site across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Kent as well as remotely.For further information about the project please see https://easternarc.ac.uk/arise  ;

What we can offer in return:

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

• Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs)
• 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health

For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact peopleserviceshr@kent.ac.uk quoting reference number SOC-008-25.

*Occasionally we may need to close a vacancy before the published deadline due to a high number of applications being received, therefore we strongly advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. (All vacancies will be open for at least one week.)

We prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

We know applicants may use AI tools to help prepare job applications. For guidance on how to use AI responsibly and effectively, see: Using AI in your job application

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

The University of Kent values diversity and equality at all levels.