Research Assistant/Research Associate - Automated Language Teaching & Assessment (Fixed Term)

Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research institute in Cambridge is seeking a Research Assistant/Research Associate to drive research in automated language teaching and assessment. The successful candidate will work within an innovative team to explore technology's role in language learning. A strong background in Computer Science, Engineering, or Linguistics is essential, along with a relevant master's or PhD. Additional attributes include excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach, all within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Supplement to base salary

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting individual and collaborative research projects.
• Ability to write and present research for publication.
• Enthusiastic team player capable of contributing to a positive work environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research related to automated assessment of language learning.
• Develop novel research projects relevant to ALTA's mission.
• Attend weekly research meetings and contribute to academic events.

Skills

Research

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Relevant degree (Computer Science, Engineering, or Linguistics)

PhD or relevant experience (for Research Associate)

Master's qualification or relevant experience (for Research Assistant)

Job description

# Research Assistant/Research Associate - Automated Language Teaching & Assessment (Fixed Term)Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months.The Cambridge Institute for Automated Language Teaching and Assessment (ALTA) is seeking to recruit a Research Assistant or Research Associate to join their strong team of researchers in the Department of Computer Science and Technology.The ALTA institute brings together researchers from Computer Science, Engineering, and across the University to investigate new ways of using technology to enhance language learning and to develop cutting-edge approaches to assessment which will benefit learners and teachers worldwide.The successful applicant will focus their research on the development of technology for language teaching, learning and assessment, and should be able to work independently and with others in the team. Applicants should have a relevant degree - for instance in Computer Science, Engineering, or Linguistics. A master's qualification or relevant experience is required for the Research Assistant position; a PhD or relevant experience is required for the Research Associate position.The candidate will need to be capable of communicating their work to various stakeholders and academic audiences. We are looking for a highly enthusiastic, proactive team player who is excited to join our organisation and contribute to a positive, collaborative working environment. You'll be joining a friendly, supportive, and inclusive team that values new ideas, open communication, and a positive, can-do mindset.**Main Responsibilities****Research and scholarship*** carry out research work consistent with the aims and objectives of the Institute for Automated Language Teaching & Assessment (ALTA) in the Department of Computer Science & amp; Technology, in particular with relevance to automated assessment of language learning;* develop research projects which are novel to the field and relevant to ALTA's research mission and agenda;* conduct individual and collaborative research projects;* write up research work for presentation and publication in the proceedings of leading workshops, conferences or journals;* continually update knowledge and understanding in field or specialism;* translate knowledge of advances in the subject areas into research activity;* manage own research and administrative activities, with guidance if required;* communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature to stakeholders including ALTA colleagues, sponsors and members of the wider research community;* ensure timely reporting for the ALTA Annual Review, including but not limited to poster or oral presentation, written summaries, logging of achievements and milestones, and sharing of publication preprints for review by sponsors at the appropriate time;* attend and contribute to weekly cycle of ALTA research meetings;* contribute to the wider research community through reviewing or organising activities for academic events such as conferences and workshops.**Teaching and Learning Support*** may assist in the supervision of student projects;* may provide limited supervision/instruction to classes;* may assist in the development of student research skills;* may plan and deliver seminars relating to research area.**Liaison and Networking*** liaise with colleagues and students on routine matters;* make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.**Planning and Organising*** plan the use of research resources, computing facilities and human participants as appropriate;* plan and manage own research and development in collaboration with others;* organise projects from start to finish, with guidance from supervisor(s).Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.Please provide a CV and covering letter. If you upload any additional documents which haven't been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.Candidates can make an informal enquiry to the ALTA Computer Science Directors ([e-mail]) prior to submitting a formal application.The Department of Computer Science and Technology is an academic department that encompasses computer science along with many aspects of engineering, technology and mathematics. We have a worldwide reputation for academic research with consistent top research ratings. The Department has an open and collaborative culture, supporting revolutionary fundamental computer science research, strong cross-cutting collaborations internally and externally, and ideas which transform computing outside the University. Please follow the link at: to find out more about our department.In addition to the base salary stated above, the successful candidate for this post will receive an additional 2.5% supplement to their pay.Please quote reference NR48359 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.### Department/location### Salary£33,002-£46,049### ReferenceNR48359### Category### Date published18 December 2025### Closing date28 January 2026