Research Project -Investigating racial bias in AI-enhanced surveillance technologies and predictive policing models in London
*18 Month Project
Overview
We are seeking a committed, radical, and visionary Project Senior Team Leader to lead the delivery of a time-sensitive, justice-oriented research and advocacy project. This role will oversee the investigation of racial bias in AI-enhanced surveillance technologies and predictive policing models used in London.
This is not a neutral project. We are looking for someone who holds a clear abolitionist perspective, deeply understands the systemic roots of policing and surveillance, and is passionate about dismantling oppressive technologies through research, advocacy, and community collaboration. A strong understanding of Black British history, racial capitalism, and legal accountability mechanisms is essential.
The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating the project from start to finish, ensuring it achieves its intended legal, policy, and community impact, while holding true to its radical anti-racist vision.
They must be confident conducting in-depth research, analysing data, and producing high-quality written outputs that inform policy, legal, and advocacy strategies.
Responsibilities
- Project Coordination & Delivery
- Develop and maintain a clear project plan and timeline to ensure key deliverables are met within the scheduled 30 hours/week.
Team & Stakeholder Collaboration
- Facilitate weekly internal team check-ins to support collaboration, care, and accountability.
- Maintain strong communication with external partners including legal experts, technologists, community organisers, and academic allies.
- Cultivate a project culture rooted in collective learning, accessibility, and transformative justice.
Research Oversight & Delivery
- Lead and conduct research activities, including coordination of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, qualitative interviews, literature reviews, and data analysis.
- Ensure all research aligns with the project’s abolitionist values and is grounded in ethical, anti-racist methodologies.
- Support the research team in contextualising findings using historical, legal, and political analysis (e.g. racialised surveillance and policing in the UK).
- Take a lead role in writing internal briefings, stakeholder updates, and public-facing reports and publications.
- Ensure timely delivery of high-quality research outputs that influence policy and advocacy goals.
Policy & Advocacy Integration
- Collaborate with policy and legal leads to develop evidence-based recommendations rooted in research and community input.
- Contribute to the development of clear, accessible campaign materials that amplify project findings and highlight lived experiences.
- Support community and movement-building efforts, including public events and speaking engagements.Essential Experience & Attributes:
- Demonstrable commitment to abolitionist politics and a deep critique of carceral systems.
Desirable:
- Previous work on technology, policing, or data justice.
- Experience working within community-led or grassroots racial justice organisations.
- Experience writing or contributing to campaign tools (e.g. toolkits, zines, policy briefings).
- Understanding of tech policy, algorithmic bias, or racialised surveillance.
- Strong grounding in Black history, particularly Black British resistance movements, surveillance, and racialised state violence.
- Proven experience conducting in-depth research on racial justice, surveillance, or related social justice topics.
- Strong report writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex findings in clear, engaging, and accessible language.
- Experience managing or coordinating interdisciplinary research or advocacy projects.
- Familiarity with UK policing practices, FOI processes, and legal accountability tools.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple workstreams with care and precision.
- Collaborative, trauma-informed leadership style and excellent communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications (or Equivalent Experience):Academic or Professional Background
- A degree in Law, Criminology, Sociology, Political Science, Black Studies, Data Justice, Public Policy, Human Rights, or a related field
- (Equivalent lived or professional experience in these areas is equally valued.)
- Training or certification in research methods, legal advocacy, or community organising is desirable but not essential.Research & Analysis Skills
- Demonstrated experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research, including literature reviews, case analysis, or data collection.
- Proven ability to write clear, well-structured reports, policy recommendations, or public-facing research outputs.
Project Management Experience
- Experience leading or coordinating interdisciplinary teams, especially in advocacy, legal, or grassroots organising contexts.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please send a cover letter outlining your interest, relevant experience, and alignment with the values of the project and your CV.
Please email your cover letter to all of the following addresses:
- christivie@blamuk.org
- ife@blamuk.org
- bettinaxblam@gmail.com
Be sure to CC all three contacts when submitting your application.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £25,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 30 per week
Benefits:
- Flexitime
- Work from home
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London SW9 7QR
Application deadline: 25/07/2025
Reference ID: BLAM UK Team Leader
Expected start date: 01/08/2025