Research Assistant in Artificial Intelligence for Systematic Reviewing

Background and Context 

This is an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated and experienced researcher to join a highly accomplished research consortium funded by the National Institute for Health Research on a 9 month fixed term basis. Under the leadership of Professor Thomas Phillips, Professor of Nursing in Addiction, and Professor Judith Cohen, Hull Health Trials Unit (HHTU), the research team has secured a five-year award, supported by our partners at the University of York and King’s College London, to develop the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Research at the University of Hull.

Our research focuses on a population of 1.7 million people across cities, market towns, rural villages, and coastal communities in the Humber and North Yorkshire region. Many of these areas face high unemployment, housing difficulties, and barriers to effective mental health and substance use treatment. Our research will target national priorities and local mental health needs to improve access to effective care and treatment pathways. Working closely with health and social care providers, alongside patients and the public, we have developed an ambitious research programme across three themes:

Theme 1: Young people with substance use and mental health presentations.Theme 2: Adults with substance use (SUD) and mental health presentations (MHP).Theme 3: Defining the needs of adults with alcohol-related cognitive impairment (ARCI).

The Research Assistant in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Systematic Reviewing will be integral to all three themes, supporting the research programme by developing and applying AI-driven methodologies to enhance systematic reviews and evidence synthesis. This post offers a unique opportunity to leverage AI tools in healthcare research to streamline literature review processes, automate data extraction, and improve meta-analysis techniques.

 

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will play a leading role in the development and application of AI-driven systematic review tools across the three research themes. They will be responsible for planning, implementing, and refining AI methodologies to support literature reviews and evidence synthesis. This will involve extensive collaboration with research teams, ensuring AI applications are aligned with the overall research objectives.

To achieve this, the successful candidate must demonstrate strong organisational and analytical skills, along with the ability to communicate effectively across interdisciplinary teams, including theme leads, university collaborators, and healthcare professionals. The role will also involve working closely with HHTU Trial Coordinators, Data Managers, and Quality Assurance Teams to ensure that AI-driven research complies with clinical and ethical standards.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge AI applications in systematic reviewing, shaping the future of evidence-based healthcare research.

Diversity & Working Environment

We value diversity and are committed to recruiting and supporting staff and students from all backgrounds. The University of Hull holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award and is dedicated to staff development. We actively encourage and support career growth and training opportunities.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Health Sciences support dynamic and flexible working in line with the University of Hull’s agile working policy. We are open to discussions around individual working requirements.

Application Process

In your cover letter, please refer directly to the criteria outlined in the person specification to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

For more information please see attached job description.

Selection Criteria:

Undergraduate and Masters degree in AI, data science, computer science, computer engineering, or related field(Essential, Shortlisting, Interview)Masters degree in AI and Data Science (or equivalent) at Distinction level(Essential, Shortlisting, Interview)Training in machine learning, natural language processing, and data science applications(Essential, Shortlisting, Interview)High level of proficiency in Python(Essential, Shortlisting, Interview)Familiarity with systematic review methodologies, including PRISMA guidelines and meta-analysis techniques.(Desirable, Shortlisting, Interview)

Closing Date: 11 Apr 2025

Subject Group/Team: Researchers

Salary: £31,396 to £37,099 Fixed Term - 9 Months