Research Assistant in Data Science

at  University of Derby

JOB DETAILS

College
College of Science and Engineering
Responsible to
Data Science Theme Lead
Location
Markeaton Street, Derby Campus
Salary
£22,443 to £28,081 per annum
Closing date
Sunday 6 October 2024
Contract type
Fixed term contract 36 months
Post type
Full-time
Adaptive working type
Hybrid
This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location. Currently, this role offers the opportunity to work remotely, normally 1 day/s a week in line with our Adaptive Working Framework.
Reference
0333-24
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
Building on recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) success, the University of Derby and the School of Computing is investing in and growing a number of key research areas. This includes opening the £13m Institute of Technology in 2023, expanding our Data Sciences Research Centre, and further growing our areas of expertise in Data Sciences, Cyber Security & Information Security, Software Engineering, Internet of Things, Computer Games & Immersive Technologies. At the school of Computing, we are at the forefront of innovation, leveraging data science to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in our field. Our dynamic team of researchers and academics is dedicated to advancing knowledge and developing cutting-edge solutions that make a real-world impact. Engaging with Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and our partners in the public and private sectors is our priority.
About the role
Are you passionate about data science and eager to contribute to ground-breaking research? Do you have a keen analytical mind and a drive to solve complex problems with data-driven solutions? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!
Supported by the Data Science research centre, Data Science is one of the six academic themes the University is investing in.
The Data Science theme has identified three clusters that better represents the current research focus to support our partners. These are Digital Society; Collaborative and Data Centric Engineering; and Digital Health and Well-Being. There are currently a large number of projects with our local partners mainly in the form of Knowledge Transfer Partnership. We are looking at strengthening the three clusters by appointing a Research Assistant. This is a three year full-time position and will be based in our Markeaton Street Campus.
About You
We are looking at appointing a Research Assistant in data science and AI with good research experience and a track record in producing high quality outputs. Experience in writing research bids would be an advantage. The Research Assistant is expected to support the design, implementation, and analysis of data-driven and AI research projects.
The successful candidate will hold a PhD in data Science, Artificial Intelligence or a related area and be able to develop their research agenda in such a way as to support and enhance the current research clusters. You will have expertise in AI areas such as machine learning, deep learning, generative and explainable AI.
You are expected to have good communication skills and be able to disseminate the research results to a wider audience.

Principal accountabilities

• Under the guidance of the Principal Investigator, carry out research activity that contributes to projects within the three clusters.
• Analyse, interpret and evaluate research data and present conclusions on the data to those involved with the research project(s).
• Contribute to the dissemination of the research project(s) in the appropriate format (such as a report, papers, book chapters, journals).
• Use research resources such as laboratories, workshops and specialised equipment as appropriate to the project(s).
• Update knowledge and understanding in own and other relevant disciplines.
• Provide support as necessary with other staff for the supervision of undergraduate or postgraduate students and projects, which may involve demonstration or limited teaching.
• Undertake appropriate training and staff development.
• Provide guidance as required to other colleagues working on related research project(s).
• Assist and help informally students working in the same research discipline.
• Develop internal and external contacts with other academic staff to begin to form collaborative relationships and assist with their research project(s).
• Understand own development needs and, with appropriate input, formulate a personal development plan.
• Observe and implement University policies and procedures.

Person specification

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD or equivalent (pending or awarded) in Data Science, AI or a relevant discipline

EXPERIENCE

• Experience of developing and implementing research projects
• Experience of writing comprehensive reports / papers / publications
• Experience of project delivery

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Excellent knowledge of appropriate machine and deep learning models and algorithms appropriate to the three clusters
• Knowledge of state of the art methods to develop and evaluate AI applications
• Ability to collect, analyse and synthesise research data and information
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly both in writing and presentations
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
• Ability to use initiative and creativity to solve problems in a research context
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team
• Innovative and creative

BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrate competences, core behaviours and supplementary behaviours that support and promote the University’s core value
• Flexible to the needs of others
• Committed to ensuring a high quality student experience
• Committed to a high-performance culture, fostering continuous improvement and driving quality

EXPERIENCE

• Experience of project management
• Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field
• Experience of presenting scientific research results to various audience
• Experience in contributing to research funding

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Discounted access to Devonshire Spa
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

Find out more about rewards and benefitsFind out more about rewards and benefits
Key contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Farid Meziane, Professor and Head of the Data Science Research Centre via f.meziane@derby.ac.uk
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk.
Elevate your career in academia, shape the future today

• Under the guidance of the Principal Investigator, carry out research activity that contributes to projects within the three clusters.
• Analyse, interpret and evaluate research data and present conclusions on the data to those involved with the research project(s).
• Contribute to the dissemination of the research project(s) in the appropriate format (such as a report, papers, book chapters, journals).
• Use research resources such as laboratories, workshops and specialised equipment as appropriate to the project(s).
• Update knowledge and understanding in own and other relevant disciplines.
• Provide support as necessary with other staff for the supervision of undergraduate or postgraduate students and projects, which may involve demonstration or limited teaching.
• Undertake appropriate training and staff development.
• Provide guidance as required to other colleagues working on related research project(s).
• Assist and help informally students working in the same research discipline.
• Develop internal and external contacts with other academic staff to begin to form collaborative relationships and assist with their research project(s).
• Understand own development needs and, with appropriate input, formulate a personal development plan.
• Observe and implement University policies and procedures