Requisition ID: 26053
Location:
Newcastle, GB
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Working Pattern: Full Time/Part Time
Posted Date: 25 Aug 2023
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: 25 September 2023
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Newcastle University, School of Computing as a Research Assistant/Associate to work on the HORIZON European infrastructure project BioIndustry 4.0. This is multi-millions pound project which will take BioIndustry to the next level of sophistication by incorporating Digital Twins and an advanced Data Fabric for online control of bioproduction processes. It is composed of an interdisciplinary team (including biologists, computer scientists and AI experts) from countries including France, the Netherlands, Greece, Germany, and the UK. Specifically, you will contribute to a work package focused on data and metadata management for the development of industrial biotechnology infrastructure. This infrastructure will connect sensor and other measurement device outputs and associated metadata from running bioprocesses with modelling and AI-based Digital Twins for online prediction and control. You will work within the Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex Biosystems (ICOS) research group within the School of Computing at Newcastle University. The ICOS group develops cutting edge computing approaches to biological and biomedical research, including Synthetic Biology, AI/ML, and data analytics. As part of this project you will be funded to travel to overseas locations for face-to-face meetings, research visits and conferences.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual who has demonstrable communication skills, who is a consummate team-player and has previous exposure and thus the ability to produce high quality outputs under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI).
We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment and we would be happy to discuss arrangements for flexible and/or blended working.
This position is available on a full time or part time, fixed term basis, to start immediately and is tenable for 20 months for full time position from start date (with possibility of extension). Contract length is longer for part time position depending on contract hours.
To apply, please complete an online application and upload a plain text copy of your CV and covering letter only. In your covering letter, you should evidence how you meet or exceed the essential requirements for the role. Please note, any other ‘AdditionalDocument’ you upload may not be received by the reviewing 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