Research Associate

19374BR

Cardiff School of Computer Science and Informatics

Research

Advert

Research Associate

We are looking to recruit a Research Associate to join the School of Computer Science & Informatics to undertake an exciting project sponsored by EPSRC, as part of the EPSRC AI Hub in Generative Models involving 8 research-oriented universities across the UK to collectively address major challenges of generative AI.

The role involves developing novel generative AI methods, to make them more effective, robust and efficient, and address real-world problems through collaborations with industrial partners. You will work closely with researchers from the Visual Computing and Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics research sections in the School, researchers from other UK universities, as well as industrial partners.

You will possess or be near the completion of a PhD in related areas or have relevant industrial experience.

We can offer you the chance to work in a vibrant organisation, with great benefits and opportunities for progression. We are a proud Living Wage supporter.

This role is eligible to be offered on a blended working basis, meaning that as well as spending time working on campus you may spend some time working from another location, e.g. your home. The University is committed to offering this flexibility, wherever the role and business need allows, supporting work-life balance.

Please contact Prof. Yukun Lai (LaiY4@cardiff.ac.uk) for an informal, confidential discussion about the role. For an informal discussion about the application process please contact Simon Hogg (comsc-hr@cardiff.ac.uk) or Charlie Balcombe (balcombec@cardiff.ac.uk) for a chat about the school itself.

The position is full-time (35 hours per week), available from 1st December 2024 and is fixed term for 24 months.

Salary: £40,247 per annum, with 4 annual increments up to the top of scale, £45,163 per annum (Grade 6)

Date advert posted: Monday 2 December 2024
Closing date: Friday, 3 January 2025

Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting all its employees in achieving the necessary balance between their work and their personal lives. As part of this commitment, the University has developed a flexible and responsive framework of support for staff in managing their work and personal commitments wherever possible. Applications for posts on a part-time or job-share arrangement would also be considered.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University.

Job Description
Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct research on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Visual Computing, Natural Language Processing and other areas, contributing to the overall research performance of the School and University by producing measurable outputs including publishing in international and national academic journals and conferences.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals as required.
• Involve in the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students as required.
• Attend and present at conferences/seminars at national and international levels as required.
• Undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including planning and organising the project and implementing procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.
• Review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
• Participate in School research activities.
• Contribute to the EPSRC AI Hub in Generative Models, including attending activities and contributing to the organisation of activities.
• Collaborate with other members of the EPSRC AI Hub in Generative Models, including collaborative research, dissemination of research findings, etc.
• Build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.

Other

• Engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities.
• Undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• Participate in School activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications And Education

• Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience.

Knowledge, Skills And Experience

• An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience with generative AI in one or more of the following research fields:
• Visual Computing
• Natural Language Processing
• Knowledge of current status of research in Generative AI, especially the advances in Visual Computing and/or Natural Language Processing.
• Proven ability to publish in international journals, international conferences and/or other research outputs.
• Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.

Communication and Team Working

• Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.
• Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals.

Other

• Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work.
• Proven ability to work without close supervision.

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of internationally leading research track record closely related to generative AI.
• Evidence of collaborations with industry.
• Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

Additional Information
IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
It is Cardiff University's policy to use the person specification as a key tool for shortlisting. Therefore, candidates must evidence they meet ALL the essential criteria and, where relevant, the desirable.

As part of the application process, you are asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure that the evidence you are providing corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined in the person specification. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide for each criterion. You can find a template supporting statement for the role here: Supporting statement template.

When attaching the supporting statement to your application profile, please ensure you name it with the vacancy reference number: 19374BR.

Salary Range Min: 40,247
Salary Range Max: 45,163
Job Category: Academic - Research
Grade: Grade 6