Research Fellow (AI, Digital and Cyber Physical Systems Theme) - (7474)

Fellowship Opportunity: AI, Digital and Cyber Physical Systems

AI, Digital and Cyber Physical Systems at Manchester Metropolitan: 

The Department of Computing and Mathematics has consistently been at the forefront of advanced AI research and development, spanning key thematic areas such as Data Science, Machine Intelligence, Human-Centred Computing, Data and AI Ethics. We offer cutting-edge facilities and equipment that underpin our world-leading research in fundamental and applied AI. Our collaborations extend to a wide range of external partners, including industry, international research institutions, and charitable organizations, all with a shared commitment to ensuring that AI has a positive impact on society.

We have strong track record for externally funding from a range of sources both nationally and internationally such as UKRI (EPSRC, BBSRC, NERC, STFC, Innovate UK), GCRF/Newton Fund, European Commission, MRC, Royal Society, Royal Society/Royal Academy of Engineering, Cancer Research UK, British Council, European Union, Industry partners. We have extensive links into digital business and health across the Greater Manchester area, through our work with local and national partners, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Salford NHS trust and the North care Alliance, and industries. Notably, we lead the AI Foundry, an European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project, and the newly established Centre for Digital Innovation (CDI), an innovation accelerator programme, through which we support more than 180 SMEs in the Greater Manchester (GM) region to drive growth of AI-powered digital business.

We offer comprehensive AI training for our future workforce at various educational levels, including UG, PG, PGRs, and Early Career Researchers (ECRs). Our commitment to promoting AI skills also extends beyond academia. We provide specialised training to organisations and partners, assisting them in addressing skill gaps in harnessing the potential of AI.

About the role: 

• To undertake world-leading and internationally excellent research using latest and innovative methodologies, as relevant in your area of research. 

• To prepare, present and publish research outputs through the appropriate forums e.g. research workshops, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, portfolios, academic journals etc. 

• To develop ideas for generating income to ensure the continued success and growth of research portfolio.  

• To disseminate findings of research widely to further the institution's standing in the HE and research community and strengthen the impact of the research.

• To engage in scholarly activities conducive to a long-term successful academic career that will support and enhance the research culture within the Department/ School, Faculty and University.

About the candidate: 

You will be an emerging AI researcher specialising in areas such as Embodied AI, Robotics, Multimodal Generative AI. You will be experienced in the development of machine learning algorithms and AI systems/tools and understand the strengths and limitations of current AI technologies. In addition, you will also possess skills in software development.

The Fellowship will enable you to concentrate solely on advancing your research trajectory, both independently and in partnership with the existing AI experts at Manchester Met University, as well as in interdisciplinary ventures where AI plays a pivotal role. You will have access to a fully funded, dedicated Computer Science Laboratory, with access to vital computational resources, including High-Performance Computing (HPC) and cloud-based facilities.

Requirements: 

• Doctoral level qualification in a related research area. 

• Possess breadth or depth of specialist knowledge and demonstrate potential for research independence.

• Excellent track record of relevant research outputs. 

• Significant research experience in the chosen field of research, which should include where appropriate: 
  • leading the work of a team, co-ordinating effort and resources to meet objectives 
  • developing partnerships within the University and with external agencies 
  • preparing funding proposals and applications to external bodies 
  • using initiative, creativity and judgement to develop appropriate approaches to research 
  • synthesising complex data from different sources and communicating findings via written reports and articles 
  • presenting at national and/or international research meetings 
  • supervising student work and providing appropriate support and feedback. 

• Experience of managing and monitoring performance of research projects in multi-disciplinary teams.

• Ability to manage projects involving academic institutions and funding bodies. 

Please refer to the Job Description & Person Specification for a full list of essential & desirable criteria. 

Academic Contact: Prof. Liangxiu Han (l.han@mmu.ac.uk) to discuss the fellowship opportunity in detail. 

Application Process: 

To apply to the Fellowship, please provide the following documents: 

• Research Interest Statement (no more than two sides of A4, font size 11, 2 cms margin): Statement should include your long-term career aspirations, how your research till date and plans to develop and contribute towards your research interest in the future will impact the University's Research Strategy whilst working with an existing team of researchers.  

• Research Proposal (no more than four sides of A4, font size 11, 2 cm margins): Kindly provide a research proposal focused on a specific topic within the research faculty you are applying for. The proposal should be accompanied by a Gantt chart outlining a 3-year research timeline.  

• Curriculum Vitae (include details of your education, citizenship, publications, funding, employment history & names of referees) 

Please note that panels will not consider attachments that fall outside of the limits, where specified. 

We aim to offer up to a maximum of 15 fellow appointments, for which we will be assessing applicants competitively across the four faculties that are welcoming applications. 

Assessment Timelines: 

• The application window will be available for 8 weeks and will close on 29 May 2024
• Interviews will be held on-site in Manchester (where practical) in the w/c 17 and 24 June 2024
• We aim to make offers to successful candidates in the w/c 03 July 2024

Enquiries:  

If you haven't found your specific area of research, please click here to sign up to our job alerts. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on researchfellowships@mmu.ac.uk  

Manchester Met University is committed to creating an intentionally inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We understand the importance of having a diverse workforce and the benefits it can bring to ensuring diversity of thought and innovation in everything we do. We, therefore, encourage applications from our local and international communities, in particular people from ethnic minority groups, disabled people and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.    

We recognise the benefits and importance of an environment that supports flexible working and are open to conversations about this throughout the application process.  

To return to the main fellowship page, click here