Recruitment Call: Research, Innovation and Funding Associate (AI and Digital Technology)

JournoTECH is recruiting up to three Research, Innovation and Funding Associates to support our ongoing projects, deliver technology training, develop academic partnerships and identify new funding and research opportunities.

We are looking for technically skilled individuals who can combine practical technology knowledge with research, communication, training and innovation skills.

The successful candidates will support our existing projects, help us develop new research collaborations, contribute to grant applications and deliver training that makes AI, cybersecurity and other emerging technologies accessible to people without technical backgrounds.

This opportunity is particularly suited to people who enjoy both working with technology and helping others understand how to use it safely, effectively and responsibly.

About JournoTECH

JournoTECH is a technology and training organisation working across artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, responsible technology, digital innovation and community technology education.

We develop technology solutions, deliver training and collaborate with academic institutions and other organisations on research, innovation and technology projects.

Our work includes AI-powered tools, digital security, responsible AI, information integrity and applying emerging technologies to real-world challenges.

We work across disciplines and aim to bridge the gap between technical research and practical application, helping professionals, communities and organisations understand and benefit from technological developments.

As we expand our research, innovation and training activities, we want to engage capable individuals who can contribute to ongoing projects while helping us identify and develop new opportunities.

About the role

• Job title: Research, Innovation and Funding Associate (AI and Digital Technology)
• Positions: Up to three associates
• Location: Remote, with applicants based in the UK
• Contract: Flexible, project-by-project engagement, with no guaranteed hours or continuous assignments
• Hourly rate: £18–£20, depending on experience and the assignment
• Work availability: Assignments will be offered according to project requirements, organisational priorities and available funding.

Key responsibilities

1. Research and funding opportunities

• Identify relevant research grants, innovation competitions, funding calls and collaborative research opportunities.
• Assess eligibility requirements, deadlines, funding amounts and the feasibility of applications.
• Identify opportunities through UKRI, Innovate UK, universities, research centres, foundations and other relevant organisations.
• Contribute to research concepts, expressions of interest, grant applications and project proposals.

2. Academic partnerships and project development

• Identify suitable academics, universities, research centres and potential project partners.
• Research potential collaborators and prepare tailored communications proposing research and project collaborations.
• Help develop project concepts, work packages, implementation plans and budgets.
• Identify opportunities where JournoTECH can contribute technical expertise, training, research, technology development or project delivery.

3. Technology training and knowledge translation

• Deliver training and workshops on AI, cybersecurity, digital safety, responsible AI and other relevant technology topics.
• Explain complex technical concepts in clear, accessible language to non-technical audiences.
• Adapt training materials and delivery methods to suit participants from different professional and educational backgrounds, including journalists, educators, researchers, community organisations and other professionals.
• Translate academic research and technical developments into practical knowledge that people can apply in their everyday work.
• Develop presentations, learning resources, demonstrations and practical exercises.
• Support participants with different levels of technical confidence and experience.
• Encourage responsible, safe and effective use of technology through practical, inclusive and engaging learning activities.

4. Technical and ongoing project support

• Contribute technical expertise to existing AI, cybersecurity, software development and digital innovation projects, according to individual skills.
• Conduct technical research and feasibility assessments.
• Explore emerging technologies and identify opportunities aligned with JournoTECH’s priorities.
• Support project implementation, testing, evaluation and reporting where required.

5. Documentation and opportunity tracking

• Maintain organised records of funding opportunities, potential partners, deadlines and follow-up activities.
• Prepare clear research summaries and reports for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Document training activities, project outcomes and lessons learned.

Essential skills and experience

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• A strong technical understanding of AI, machine learning, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, software engineering or a related discipline.
• The ability to explain technical concepts clearly to people without technical expertise.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence delivering presentations, workshops, demonstrations or training sessions.
• The ability to adapt technical explanations to different audiences and professional disciplines.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to identify relevant funding opportunities.
• The ability to develop practical project ideas and communicate their value.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to work independently and meet agreed deadlines.
• An interest in responsible technology, knowledge sharing, research collaboration and digital inclusion.

Experience in grant writing, research funding, academic partnerships, technology training, instructional design, knowledge exchange or collaborative research and development would be an advantage.

We welcome applications from technically capable individuals at different career stages who can demonstrate the skills required for the role.

Contract and payment arrangements

The positions will operate on a flexible, assignment-based basis. Associates will be contacted when suitable projects, training opportunities, research activities or funding assignments become available.

Before each assignment, the scope of work, expected deliverables, hours and payment arrangements will be agreed.

The hourly rate will be between £18 and £20, depending on experience and the nature of the assignment.

There are no guaranteed hours. However, as JournoTECH grows and secures additional funding, successful associates may have opportunities to undertake more assignments and, where appropriate and financially feasible, be considered for future full-time employment.

The appropriate employment or self-employment arrangement will depend on the actual working relationship, and applicable employment rights will be respected.

Selection process

Our selection process will involve two stages.

Stage 1: Application review and virtual interview

Applicants will complete an online application form. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview to discuss their technical skills, research interests, training experience, communication abilities and approach to identifying opportunities and supporting projects.

Stage 2: Paid practical assessment

Shortlisted candidates will complete a paid practical assessment lasting a maximum of one to two hours.

The assessment will be designed to evaluate relevant skills, which may include identifying funding opportunities, researching potential academic collaborators, developing a project concept and explaining a technical concept to a non-technical audience.

Candidates will receive the task instructions and payment arrangements before beginning the assessment.

Selection will be based on technical competence, research and analytical ability, communication, training potential, quality of work and suitability for JournoTECH’s ongoing and future projects.

How to apply

Please note that this role is open to UK-based applicants only.

Fill out the application form

To apply, complete the online application form and upload your CV through the form. You will also be asked about your technical background, relevant experience, training and communication skills, research interests and availability.

Application deadline: On rolling basis till places are occupied

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted regarding the next stage.

For inquiries, please, email: info@journotech.org

Join JournoTECH

We want to work with people who can combine technical expertise with curiosity, clear communication and a commitment to helping others understand and benefit from technology.

If you can work with technology, explain it to diverse audiences, deliver practical training and help turn research and ideas into meaningful projects, we encourage you to apply.

We look forward to building a team that connects technology, research, education and innovation.