Senior Research Fellow, Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank – Stratford, United Kingdom

A leading London-based policy hub focused on safer digital lives for young people is recruiting a Senior Research Fellow to drive its agenda on child online harms. Situated within a research institute dedicated to connected communities, the Think Tank works at the intersection of technology, policy, and protection—covering fast-evolving spaces like AI, virtual reality, and online gaming. For professionals who understand how immersive platforms reshape risk and opportunity, this is a chance to influence the rules of the road for the next era of digital play and social interaction.

About the Think Tank and the Role

The Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank is an independent academic initiative that turns frontline research into actionable policy. Its mission spans identifying legislative gaps, mapping emerging threats in AI and XR, and informing regulators, industry, and child protection stakeholders. The Senior Research Fellow will be central to the Think Tank’s growth, leading research strategy, building funding streams, and ensuring insights reach decision-makers when it matters.

Based in Stratford, the post holder will work closely with the Think Tank’s leadership and interdisciplinary team to deliver high-impact projects with national and international relevance. The successful candidate will help shape best practice for safety-by-design in games, social VR, and youth-focused digital ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of research funding proposals and partnerships across academia, industry, government, and the third sector.
• Design and deliver cutting-edge studies on child online harms, with emphasis on AI-driven systems, immersive platforms, and emerging online communities.
• Translate findings into policy briefings, standards recommendations, and practical resources for regulators and developers.
• Engage proactively with policymakers and industry leaders to inform safety frameworks, codes of practice, and legislative development.
• Contribute to thought leadership through reports, roundtables, and public engagement, ensuring research is accessible and actionable.
• Mentor junior researchers and foster a collaborative, ethical research culture.
• Coordinate dissemination strategies to maximize real-world impact across education, health, and child protection networks.

What We’re Looking For

• Substantial expertise in child online safety, harms mitigation, and digital policy—ideally with exposure to games, VR/XR, social platforms, or AI governance.
• A track record of securing research funding and delivering interdisciplinary projects at pace.
• Strong methodological skills, spanning qualitative and quantitative approaches, with a focus on rigorous, ethical practice.
• Excellent communication abilities—capable of writing for policymakers and technical audiences, and presenting to senior stakeholders.
• Experience influencing policy or standards and building relationships across government, industry, and civil society.
• A deep understanding of safeguarding, data protection, and the ethical implications of immersive and algorithmic technologies.

Why It Matters for Games and VR

From social VR hangouts to live-service games, the next generation of online spaces hinges on trust and safety. The research led in this role will guide how voice, haptics, spatial presence, and AI moderation intersect with children’s rights and wellbeing. As platform builders explore eye and hand tracking, generative NPCs, and user-created worlds, robust policy and safety-by-design principles will determine whether innovation broadens access—or amplifies risk. This post offers a rare opportunity to shape that balance at a crucial moment for immersive media.

Appointment Details

• Due to the sensitive nature of the work, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Interviews will take place remotely via Microsoft Teams.
• The position is expected to commence as soon as possible following appointment.
• Please note: a CV alone will not be considered; a completed application is required.

This is a significant career move for a researcher who wants to turn insights into tangible protections for young people—particularly in spaces where play, presence, and AI converge. If you’re ready to help set the agenda for safer, more inclusive immersive technologies, this role places you where change happens.