Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

Statistical Machine Learning Methods for Aerospace

This full-time post is available immediately on a fixed term basis until 31st July 2024 (with the possibility of extension beyond this).

Summary of the role

The position is based within the Institute of Data Science and AI at Exeter working with Professor Tim Dodwell . The position will spend time working at and with the Alan Turing Insitute i n London and IWR Heidelberg .

This position is part of the wider programme CerTest (full title 'Certification for Design - Reshaping the Testing Pyramid') with £6.9 million research investment from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). CerTest is conducted in close partnership between academic partners University of Bristol, University of Bath, University of Exeter and the University of Southampton, with strong industrial and stakeholder support by Airbus, Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, GKN Aerospace, CFMS, the National Composites Centre (NNC) and the Alan Turing Institute, and close interaction with the European Aviation Safety Agency.

This position will: 

• Develop statistical machine learning methods to build efficient, validated, surrogates of high-performance composite simulations.
• Focus on efficient building machine learning approximations which are scalable to large input and output dimensions. 

This role will provide the opportunity for new method development, mathematical theory and large scientific calculations, within an application of significant industrial importance. You should hold a PhD in Applied Mathematics or Computer Science. Strong programming skills in python, with knowledge of major machine learning libraries is essential. Knowledge of Bayesian methods or Stochastic Machine Learning and/or experience of solving mechanics problems will be a distinct advantage.

The role will involve a close collaboration with Prof. Scheichl at Heidelberg and the Data Centric Engineering Programme at the Alan Turing Institute . It is envisaged the position will spend extended periods collaborating at each of these institutions.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017.

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. 98% of our research is of international quality (2014 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Further information

Data Centric Engineering Group is part of the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy.

Please contact Professor Tim Dodwell, [email protected]