Research Intern - Translation Software

Grade UE05: £29,588 - £33,951 per annum pro-rata as part-time (Appointment will probably be made on step 1 of the grade - £29,588)

College of Science & Engineering / School of Chemistry

Part-time: 8 hours per week

Fixed-term: starting September for 36 weeks

 

Investigate the impact of translation software on student outcomes and a sense of community within the School of Chemistry and the wider University. This position supports a PTAS funded research project aimed at developing resources to enhance student experiences without hindering language development.

 

The Opportunity: 

 

Alongside generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, modern translation software has rapidly evolved from producing static unreliable outputs to fast and accurate translations. In recent years, translations can also be applied to video, audio and in-person conversations—often live. At first glance, this is a good thing, levelling the playing field for non-native English speakers and enhancing cross-cultural communication. However, with students showing a growing dependency on these systems there are concerns that many are no longer developing the language skills that they require throughout their degrees.

 

This study will investigate how students are currently making use of translation software during their studies, and assess the impact of this on student outcomes, language development and a sense of community. 

 

This study will primarily focus on students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, in the School of Chemistry and related Schools in the College of Science and Engineering, but results are expected to be highly relevant to other programmes across the University and UK Higher Education as a whole.

 

This position is an exciting opportunity for students currently studying at the University of Edinburgh to be involved in educational research and help direct teaching policies in future.

 

This post is part-time (8 hours per week). We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working. On-site work will be limited by the building opening hours (Mon-Fri 8:30-17:30).

 

Informal enquiries about this role are very welcome – you can contact David.August@ed.ac.uk for further information about the role.

 

Your skills and attributes for success:

• Good research skills and an ability to analyse large data sets.
• Proactive, resourceful and enthusiastic to learn new skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good organisational skills and time management.
• Ability to work alone and in teams.

 

Click to view a copy of  Job Description  (opens new browser tab)

 

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. 
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits. 

 

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality. 

 

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab).

 

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants will therefore be unable to apply for and secure a Skilled Worker visa. They will only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.  

 

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 29th August, 2025.

 

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone. 

 

Interviews will be held week commencing 22nd September 2025. If invited for interview you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK.

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