Research Assistant/Associate in Computer Science

Salary:

Research Assistant: £31,396 to £32,982 per annum

Research Associate: £33,966 to £37,099 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 05 December 2023

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join Newcastle University's School of Computing as a Research Assistant/Associate on the ground-breaking HORIZON European project, BioIndustry 4.0. In this multi-million-pound initiative, we're elevating BioIndustry through Digital Twins and an advanced Data Fabric for real-time bioproduction control. Collaborating with an international, diverse team spanning France, the Netherlands, Greece, Germany, and the UK, you'll contribute to managing data and metadata within industrial biotechnology infrastructure. This role involves linking sensor data with AI-driven Digital Twins for predictive control. Based in the cutting-edge Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex Biosystems (ICOS) group, you'll pioneer computing solutions in biological research, including Synthetic Biology, AI/ML, and data analytics. Plus, funded opportunities for travel await, offering face-to-face collaborations, research visits, and conferences abroad. Ready to shape the future of BioIndustry with us?
 
We're on the lookout for a motivated individual with excellent communication skills and the ability to represent ICOS nationally and internationally at events and project collaborations. If you've got a track record of working within a multidisciplinary team delivering high-quality results under the guidance of a Principal Investigator (PI), we want to hear from you.
 
Our commitment extends beyond just the work, we're dedicated to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment. Let's talk about flexible and/or blended working arrangements that suit your needs.
 
For those who've applied previously, no need to reapply, we appreciate your interest and have your application on file.
 
This role is open for both full-time and part-time employment on a fixed-term basis, beginning immediately and lasting for 20 months for full-time positions (with potential for extension). The contract duration for part-time roles will vary based on the contracted hours. Please be advised that the contract will not extend beyond the end date of the project. 
 
To apply, please complete an online application and upload a plain text copy of your CV and covering letter only. In your cover letter, please highlight how your skills align with or go beyond the essential requirements for the role. Kindly note that any other ‘additional documents’ you upload to the job portal might not be reviewed by the panel

For more information about the project, please contact Dr. Tim Rudge, Lecturer in Synthetic Biology tim.rudge@newcastle.ac.uk. 

For more information about Newcastle Universities ICOS, please click here
For more information about the Urban Sciences Building, please click here
For more information about the School of Computing and our research, please click here

Key Accountabilities

●    Develop software for a novel data fabric architecture which enables training and running of digital twins for industrial bioprocesses
●    Manage and develop an effective software engineering methodology incorporating design requirements, documentation, testing, etc
●    Independently research the state-of-the art in the field in order to develop sufficient knowledge to carry out the project and beyond
●    Co-supervise and manage students working on the project within the group
●    Communicate effectively with international collaborators from a range of disciplines (e.g. biology) to coordinate and integrate your work into the project
●    Participate in regular online and in person meetings and workshops

The Person 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 
●    Software development and engineering to a high level, including use of tools such as git and GitHub
●    Programming in multiple languages, for example Python, JavaScript, Ruby
●    Databases and data management, e.g. SQL, RDF
●    Understanding or interest in biology, molecular biology and biotechnology
●    Experience of working on collaborative research projects either in academia or industry
●    Strong team working skills in international and interdisciplinary contexts
●    Strong communication skills (English) both written and spoken
●    Experience of cloud-based systems and web APIs

Desirable
●    Knowledge of bioreactors and industrial bioprocesses
●    Internet of Things (IoT), linux/unix, Docker, systems admin
●    Familiarity with hardware interfacing, APIs, drivers (e.g. microcontrollers)
●    Familiarity with networking protocols and set up

Attributes and Behaviour

●    Organized and methodical, working in a structured way and documenting the process
●    Willingness to learn about other disciplines (e.g. biology, AI/ML, mathematical modelling). Training will be provided where appropriate
●    Independent, hard working and motivated

Qualifications

●    PhD or close to completion in a relevant discipline
 

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 26053