Research Associate*/Research Assistant in Sustainable Computational Science

at  University of Cambridge

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented researcher to join our team as part of the Green Algorithms Initiative in the Department of Public Health and Primary Care, one of Europe’s leading academic departments of population health sciences. The post will suit researchers interested in improving our understanding, and mitigating, the environmental impacts of scientific computing.
You will lead projects improving how computing environmental impacts are currently estimated and reported and investigate the impact of growing scientific fields through targeted case studies (e.g. population-scale whole-genome sequencing, artificial intelligence). In particular, you will explore ways to better integrate life-cycle analyses in these estimations, expand environmental impacts beyond carbon footprints, and quantify the estimates’ uncertainty.
This research will be a key component of making computing more sustainable by drastically improving the reporting of computing impacts and shedding light on the carbon footprint of specific fields. You will be trained to obtain the required expertise in green computing and environmental sustainability, and your work is expected to lead to first author high-impact publications.
The Green Algorithms Initiative (http://www.green-algorithms.org/), led by Dr Loïc Lannelongue, is a world-leading project in the field of green computing focusing on quantifying and reducing the environmental impacts of computational science through open-source resources. The tools and frameworks developed and maintained by the group are used internationally and include the popular Green Algorithms online calculator, server-specific monitoring tools and the GREENER Principles for Environmentally Sustainable Computational Science. The Green Algorithms Initiative has received both nominations and awards for its contributions to environmentally sustainable research (e.g. HDR-UK Impact Award).
You will work in close conjunction with the senior scientists in the Green Algorithms Initiative, including Dr Loïc Lannelongue and Professor Michael Inouye. You will also work closely with other members of the Department and scientific collaborators based in other institutions. In particular, there will be links with the Department of Computer Science and Technology.
The preferred candidates will have an MSc or PhD (or equivalent experience) in computer science, applied informatics (e.g. bioinformatics), sustainability, or other related subject. They will have a strong interest in the intersection between computing, science and environmental sustainability. They should have an ability to communicate and present results to other scientists along with excellent verbal and written communications skills and strong organisational skills.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience), including those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD. Where a PhD has yet to be, awarded appointment will initially be made at research assistant and amended to research associate when the PhD is awarded (PhD needs to be awarded within 6 months of the start date). If an individual has not submitted a PhD or is not working towards one, they could be appointed as a Research Assistant if they have either a degree (and/or Master’s) in a relevant area or equivalent experience.
the funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance from commencement in post.
This is a full-time position we also welcome applications of no less than 60% FTE.
Location - Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute, Biomedical Campus, Papworth Road, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 0BD (approx 2 miles south of city centre)
Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Loïc Lannelongue (ll582@medschl.cam.ac.uk). This is one of several roles being recruited to expand the Green Algorithms Initiative. You can find a description of the other roles here: https://www.green-algorithms.org/
Closing date: 25th November 2024
Interview Date: weeks commencing 2nd December 2024 and 16th December 2024.
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including e-mail address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply’ button below. This will route you to the University’s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
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Please refer the Job description for details