Research Assistant/Associate

at  University of Glasgow

KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:
A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.

A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of:

• Cybersecurity and resilience of digital twins;
• Human factors in cybersecurity (user study/experiment design; survey/interview design);

A3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism
Desirable:
B1 An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in subject specialism or equivalent
For appointment at grade 7:
Essential:
A4 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)

SKILLS

Essential:
C1 programming (preferably systems, e.g., C/Python); qualitative analysis (e.g., thematic analysis, grounded theory); statistical analysis
C2 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.
C3 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely
C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach
C5 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills
C6 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.
C7 Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working
C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach
For appointment at grade 7:
Essential :
C9 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism
C10 Knowledge of project specific technical models, equipment or techniques

EXPERIENCE

Essential:
E1 Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcher
E2 Project or subject specific experience
E3 Experience of scientific writing
E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner
E5 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field
For appointment at grade 7:
Essential :
E6 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher
E7 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences
E8 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities
E9 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.
E10 Experience in undertaking independent research
Desirable :
F1 An emerging national or international reputation

JOB PURPOSE

The University of Glasgow is in a consortium of seven universities, supporting the formation of a new national research centre funded by a significant UKRI and stakeholder co-investment for a 5-year and £45M programme of challenge-led research into digital twinning for transport decarbonisation. The research will build on highly successful consultation which explored transport decarbonisation and mode integration. This new national research hub will be responsible for delivering new knowledge, technical capabilities and policy advisement relating to UK digital twinning (or transport decarbonisation) priorities. This highly ambitious programme of research is supported by over 65 industrial, research and stakeholder organisations. The consortium behind this national hub represents a highly interdisciplinary network of experts, and includes a significant cohort of early career researchers, research associates and PhD students, who will work closely together in a multi-disciplinary collaborative environment to deliver this ground-breaking research.
You will be working under the direct supervision of Prof. Dimitrios Pezaros (Computing Science) within this multidisciplinary national research hub jointly led by Prof. David Flynn, and make leading contributions to the cybersecurity and resilience of federated digital twins.
You will conduct cutting-edge research in cyber-physical security, resilience and connectivity of federated Digital Twin systems, including interaction modelling between infrastructure and the various stakeholders (e.g., operators, vendors, citizens, regulators, etc.). Your work will bridge technical advances in cybersecurity with organisational and human factors research in the adoption of Digital Twins for transport decarbonisation.
The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator:
1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
4. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
5. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.
6. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.
7. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
9. Carry out modest Teaching activities (e.g demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.
10. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
11. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.
12. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.
13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together
For appointment at grade 7:
14. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research, and mentoring colleagues. 15 Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.
16. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.