Research Assistant

Paisley Campus

Full time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: 27 months

You will join a dedicated team who strive to continuously inspire our students and wider University community – and, through modern teaching and impactful research, continue to deliver innovative solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges.

The AVCN (Artificial intelligence, Virtual Communications & Networks) is an institute of research excellence at CEPS. Over the last few years, its academic staff and more than 30 researchers have been involved in numerous R&D projects funded by EU, UK RC, innovation centres and InnovateUK etc. and other projects supported by industry and international funding agencies. The postholder will be based within the DeLTA (Data Analytics for Intelligent and Autonomous Systems) Research Group within the AVCN research institute.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a Research Assistant post to work on the Integration of AI and Blockchain technology to develop Smart contract systems for a smart farm supply chain in collaboration with local and international partners. The postholder will co-lead the development of integrated prototypes empowered by emerging technologies and intelligent algorithms for smart farming operations and supply chain, based on analysis of sensor data collected from farm sites. The postholder will be expected to collaborate closely with the project partners and assist in co-supervising research students working on related areas. The work under development will produce prototypes to be demonstrated in operational environments. This role also has responsibility for leading the writing up research papers for publication and assisting in grant applications. The postholder may contribute to other projects wherever required. The work under development will produce a prototype to be demonstrated in an operational environment. This role also has responsibility for leading the writing up of deliverables for the project and research papers for publication and assisting in new applications for external funding.

The successful candidate should have the following:

• Masters or above degree in Computer Science, Blockchain-enabled Smart Contract, Artificial Intelligence, Smart Farming, Blockchain-enabled Supply Chain, or other closely related areas
• Experience in developing blockchain and smart contract platform-based systems
• Experience in software development
• Demonstrable experience in smart farming technologies and supply chain prototyping
• Demonstrable experience in integration of Blockchain and AI technologies
• Demonstrated experience delivering oral presentations at conferences, workshops, and meetings

About us

University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.

With cutting-edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others. 

UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2023 Young University Rankings).

The School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences offers industry-focussed teaching and research opportunities that deliver solutions to real-world problems. You will join an innovative and supportive team, playing a key role in driving forward our ambition to deliver transformational change, through outputs that have a tangible, early and positive impact on society across the globe. Our students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, extensive expertise in research and development, and our robust collaborations with multinational companies across the world.

UWS is fully committed to the UK Concordat to support the Career Development of Researchers which sets out clear standards that research staff can expect from the University. It aims to improve the employment and support for research careers in the UK and provides a framework for career development based around the Concordat principles.

Informal enquiries in strict confidence to the project team: Prof. Keshav Dahal, E-mail: [email protected]

For further information about the Research Centre, please refer to www.uws.ac.uk/avcn .

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

• 35 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
• An additional days leave on your birthday
• Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (currently 23%), including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme.
• A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
• Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers
• Fitness facilities across our campuses
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional, career and research development opportunities.

Closing date: Tuesday 16th April 2024 at 9:00 am

Interview date: Thursday 25th April 2024

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.