Job Description

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range \xc2\xa345,585 to \xc2\xa354,395 with potential progression once in post to \xc2\xa361,198, Grade 8

Hours: Full time

Contract type: Fixed term, 3 years

Closes: 9th October 2023

This is a unique 3-year research role for a talented and versatile data scientist/statistician, computer scientist or mathematical modeller to work as part of a team of interdisciplinary researchers within the Centre for Systems Modelling and Quantitative Biomedicine (SMQB) at the University of Birmingham.

SMQB is a unique environment for the pursuit of interdisciplinary research which brings together outstanding scientists and innovators from our School of Mathematics, School of Computer Science, and the Institute for Metabolism and Systems Research in the Medical School.

This comes at an exciting time for the SMQB with an anticipated move in early 2024 into the Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA, ), a unique innovation and accelerator facility which is part of the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus ( ). The PHTA provides state-of-the-art incubation and collaboration space and SMQB will be co-located with innovative health and life science businesses, bringing together entrepreneurs, start-ups and scale-ups together with the next generation of academic and clinical leaders, creating unique opportunities to commercialise ideas and accelerate the rapid development of cutting-edge therapies and technologies.

Led by Professor John Terry, SMQB\'s mission is to transform lives through quantitative biomedical and clinical research. We co-create research challenges with a range of stakeholders, including industry partners, biomedical researchers, clinical scientists, as well as people with lived experience of disease and members of the public. To solve these challenges, we use techniques from machine learning, artificial intelligence and data science and statistical and mathematical modelling. Our key research themes are mathematical and computer modelling; neuroscience and neurology; endocrinology, metabolism and reproduction; and medical sensors and wearables. We currently hosts 3 independent research fellows, as well as being the hub for a \xc2\xa31.3M EPSRC/MRC Network+ in responsible neurotechnology.

The role

Centre Fellows are innovative roles which are critical for the success of our interdisciplinary ethos. They are designed to enable transition to independence for talented early career researchers and give you the opportunity to develop and grow your own research portfolio, with the freedom that comes with a research-only contract. To facilitate this, the role comprises two main parts to which you will devote your time equally: * Pursuing your own personal programme of research.Your time will be spent developing your research portfolio in one or more of the key research themes of the Centre, while being immersed in a highly supportive and dynamic environment. You will receive mentoring and support from world-class academics, as well as the training and coaching needed to support your transition to independence.

• Pump-priming interdisciplinary industry facing research projects. You will provide the quantitative expertise and leadership to co-create and develop needs-driven projects of biomedical and clinical significance with researchers from across our unique university, hospital and industry ecosystem. Working closely with relevant industrial partners from within or beyond the PHTA (in areas such as digital health, MedTech or diagnostics) alongside academics, healthcare users and members of the public you will propose and develop collaborative projects and co-create commercialisation and translational opportunities where applicable. This includes liaising with industry, senior academics, and Business Engagement to ensure the proposed research is fit for purpose and conducting research and publishing outcomes, as appropriate to the disciplinary area and specific project.

In addition to these main components, Centre Fellows have the opportunity to become involved in interdisciplinary training and stakeholder engagement, as we continue to grow the ecosystem within and beyond Birmingham.

About you

You will hold a PhD or equivalent in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline. You will already have extensive postdoctoral experience and either existing industrial experience or the transferable skills and desire to engage in stakeholder-led research. You will be curiosity driven and seeking to further develop your quantitative skills to tackle some of the most pressing healthcare and societal challenges. You will receive strong support and mentorship to develop your own independent programme of research, with the ultimate aim of securing your own personal fellowship funding.

We are seeking an individual with a strong background in one or more of:

• machine learning and/or AI
• Image analysis; time series analysis; data visualisation
• statistical modelling/statistical inference
• Interdisciplinary mathematical modelling
• wearable technologies
• scientific computing and programming in multiple high-level programming languages (e.g. C, C++, Julia, Matlab, Python, R)

If you have the demonstrated capacity to work independently, think creatively and desire to work as part of a collaborative team we want to hear from you.

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr Rebecca Ward, SMQB Programme Manager at .

What we can offer

A package of tailored support to put you in the best place to transition you to independence through either personal fellowship funding or permanent academic roles. This includes strong academic support and mentorship to develop your own independent programme of research, bespoke support from a dedicated professional services team and access to training, development and leadership opportunities. Centre Fellows receive a budget for travel and computing that they are responsible for managing, as well as having the opportunity to arrange workshops and conferences and hosting international visitors.

Working at the University of Birmingham brings many benefits, from generous holiday leave, to reward and recognition. The University offers a range of benefits to help you achieve a better balance between your family and work responsibilities. We provide discounts on childcare and have two day nurseries and a holiday club on or near campus. In addition, you can benefit from a number of retail offers and discounts and you will have the opportunity to join private medical and dental schemes such as the National Dental Plan. For more information about staff benefits, please visit:

How to apply

To apply and be considered for a Centre Fellow role applicants must submit:

• a current CV
• a two-page (max) summary of the personal programme of research you plan to undertake within the Centre, including key collaborators within the University of Birmingham that you would seek to interact;
• a recent publication that best reflects your skills and experience alongside a brief narrative describing its impact;
• answers to the required questions on the application website that clearly explain how you satisfy the essential criteria for the role, as detailed within the \'Person specification\' section.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an assessment and interview at the University of Birmingham the w/c 30th October. The closing date for applications is 9th October 2023.

Summary of Role

• Initiate and conduct original industry-facing research which has measurable outcomes and is reflected in a growing national and often incipient international reputation
• Plan, design and co-ordinate research activities and programmes
• Contribute to the development of research strategies
• Publish results of own research
• Supervise PhD students
• Contribute to the Department/School through management/leadership
• Develop and make substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement activities, widening participation, schools outreach or similar activities at Department/School level or further within the University

Main Duties / Responsibilities

To plan and carry out research, using appropriate methodology and techniques. This may include, where appropriate to the discipline:

• Pursue personal research including developing research ideas and winning support, including financial support
• Plan, publish and/or execute high quality research
• Project manage research activities, and/or supervise other research staff
• Present findings in high quality publications and conference proceedings
• Develop novel methodologies and techniques appropriate to the type of research being pursued
• Supervise and examine PhD students, both within and out with the University
• Provide expert advice to colleagues and students within discipline
• Contribute to the administration/management of research across the Department/School
• Develop and make substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement and public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University
• Contribute to some administrative activities within the University, typically relating to research
• Apply knowledge in a way that develops new intellectual understanding
• Actively manages equality, diversity and inclusion through monitoring and evaluation and actively challenging unacceptable behaviour

Person Specification

• Normally, a higher degree relevant to the research area (normally PhD) or equivalent qualifications.
• Extensive research experience and achievement in knowledge transfer, enterprise and innovative data-enabled research to deliver specific engagement with industry partners, including the PHTA. Within one or more of the following areas:

• Research related to industry
• machine learning and/or AI
• Image analysis; time series analysis; data visualisation
• statistical modelling/statistical inference
• Interdisciplinary mathematical modelling
• wearable technologies
• scientific computing and programming in multiple high-level programming languages (e.g. C, C++, Julia, Matlab, Python, R)
• Experience and achievement reflected in a growing reputation
• Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project managing research to deliver high quality results
• Extensive experience of applying and/or developing and devising successful models, techniques and methods
• Extensive experience and achievement in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity
• Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in own work area
• Ability to monitor and evaluate the extent to which equality and diversity legislation, policies, procedures are applied
• Ability to identify issues with the potential to impact on protected groups and take appropriate action.

\xc2\xa345,585 to \xc2\xa354,395. Grade 8

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