Research Fellow - Terrorism, Intelligence, Resilience and Organised Crime
| Posting date: | 21 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £39,906 to £44,746 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 08 February 2026 |
| Location: | Sheffield, South Yorkshire |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Sheffield Hallam University |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 116707 |
Summary
We are looking for a Research Fellow to join our team at CENTRIC, working across a variety of security sensitive projects and initiatives. You will contribute to exciting research opportunities specialising in the convergence of technical user requirements into applied capabilities for Law Enforcement Agencies with a strong focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and security. A key area within this role will be centred on the application of AI for protection against online harms.
As Research Fellow you will contribute to the action-oriented and practitioner-focused co-creation, co-design and co-deployment of innovative capabilities for law enforcement agencies. This includes a key role in the on-going development and application of projects such as OSPREY, AIOLIA, and DETECTOR, amongst others. Although this is not a technical role, a good understanding of technology and emerging trends in technologies would be a significant added value.
In this position, you will prepare and conduct empirical (mixed-method) research. This will entail all steps from developing the conceptual frameworks and instruments to data collection and analysis, involving international partners. You will further support and engage with academic and non-academic partners in the UK and Europe in conducting their research activities, and in translating social science results into user requirements with technical/industry partners to guide software development in the projects. You will further contribute to the delivery of EU project reports and high-quality academic publications.
You must have strong experience in applied research and information systems, digital humanities or AI to facilitate smooth collaboration with technical partners. Experience in mixed-methods, Horizon Europe and/ or international contexts is a plus, but not essential.
The Centre of Excellence in Terrorism, Resilience, Intelligence and Organised Crime Research (CENTRIC) is a multidisciplinary, security-focused research centre at Sheffield Hallam University. We collaborate with research, government, industry and security stakeholders to address contemporary security challenges at the local, national and international levels. We are a diverse team of researchers, technology specialists and security experts focused on delivering tangible solutions for law enforcement and other security stakeholders.
We aim to bridge the gap between cutting-edge applied research and the operational reality of policing and security, building a safer society for all. We work to transform innovative ideas into outcomes that protect and safeguard our communities, shape the landscape of policing and security practices, and ensure a more resilient future. Our collaborative ethos ensures practitioners, policymakers and researchers have a platform to work together to deliver exceptional applied research in the security domain.
Our work focuses on the following key domains:
• Artificial intelligence in policing and security
• Child sexual abuse and exploitation
• Counter-terrorism and national security
• Crisis management and disaster resilience
• Cybercrime and online harms
• Open-source intelligence and investigation
• Serious and organised crime.
We offer a diverse range of benefits and opportunities to pursue a rewarding and fulfilling career in a supportive environment.
You will be contractually enrolled into the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) – one of the largest and most generous defined benefit pension schemes in the country.
Find out more about the TPS
If you are currently a member of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), you can choose to opt out of the TPS and remain in the USS. Please contact the Pensions team to discuss options available.
We are unable to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to work in the UK. If you need sponsorship to undertake this role, please use the UK government’s Visas and immigration pages to check your eligibility.
Having trouble with your application, take a look at our guide to applying.
We recommend you download the job description and person specification when you apply, as this will not be available once the job has closed.
Accessibility
We are committed to ensuring our materials are accessible to all. If you encounter any accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement please contact us using our web accessibility report form. Your feedback helps us enhance our accessibility efforts and improve our services.
As Research Fellow you will contribute to the action-oriented and practitioner-focused co-creation, co-design and co-deployment of innovative capabilities for law enforcement agencies. This includes a key role in the on-going development and application of projects such as OSPREY, AIOLIA, and DETECTOR, amongst others. Although this is not a technical role, a good understanding of technology and emerging trends in technologies would be a significant added value.
In this position, you will prepare and conduct empirical (mixed-method) research. This will entail all steps from developing the conceptual frameworks and instruments to data collection and analysis, involving international partners. You will further support and engage with academic and non-academic partners in the UK and Europe in conducting their research activities, and in translating social science results into user requirements with technical/industry partners to guide software development in the projects. You will further contribute to the delivery of EU project reports and high-quality academic publications.
You must have strong experience in applied research and information systems, digital humanities or AI to facilitate smooth collaboration with technical partners. Experience in mixed-methods, Horizon Europe and/ or international contexts is a plus, but not essential.
The Centre of Excellence in Terrorism, Resilience, Intelligence and Organised Crime Research (CENTRIC) is a multidisciplinary, security-focused research centre at Sheffield Hallam University. We collaborate with research, government, industry and security stakeholders to address contemporary security challenges at the local, national and international levels. We are a diverse team of researchers, technology specialists and security experts focused on delivering tangible solutions for law enforcement and other security stakeholders.
We aim to bridge the gap between cutting-edge applied research and the operational reality of policing and security, building a safer society for all. We work to transform innovative ideas into outcomes that protect and safeguard our communities, shape the landscape of policing and security practices, and ensure a more resilient future. Our collaborative ethos ensures practitioners, policymakers and researchers have a platform to work together to deliver exceptional applied research in the security domain.
Our work focuses on the following key domains:
• Artificial intelligence in policing and security
• Child sexual abuse and exploitation
• Counter-terrorism and national security
• Crisis management and disaster resilience
• Cybercrime and online harms
• Open-source intelligence and investigation
• Serious and organised crime.
We offer a diverse range of benefits and opportunities to pursue a rewarding and fulfilling career in a supportive environment.
You will be contractually enrolled into the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) – one of the largest and most generous defined benefit pension schemes in the country.
Find out more about the TPS
If you are currently a member of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), you can choose to opt out of the TPS and remain in the USS. Please contact the Pensions team to discuss options available.
We are unable to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to work in the UK. If you need sponsorship to undertake this role, please use the UK government’s Visas and immigration pages to check your eligibility.
Having trouble with your application, take a look at our guide to applying.
We recommend you download the job description and person specification when you apply, as this will not be available once the job has closed.
Accessibility
We are committed to ensuring our materials are accessible to all. If you encounter any accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement please contact us using our web accessibility report form. Your feedback helps us enhance our accessibility efforts and improve our services.