Research Fellow in Computational Olfaction at University of Hertfordshire

FTE: 1 FTE (working 37 hours per week)

Duration of Contract: Fixed term contract until 31/12/2024

Salary: UH7 £37,099 – 44,263 pa commensurate with skills and experience

Annual Leave: 35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location: College Lane Campus, Hatfield

Main duties and responsibilities

We are seeking to employ a full-time research fellow to join the BioMachineLearning team within the Biocomputation Group at the University of Hertfordshire to conduct high-quality research in Computational Olfaction. The successful candidate’s research will involve synergistic collaborations within a team of 16 PI in the US, UK and Canada towards understanding how odorants shape the behaviour of animals (https://odor2action.org). The candidate will apply computational methods from AI, Machine Learning and Data Science in close collaboration with internationally leading experimental researchers who investigate neurophysiology of the sense of smell, fluid dynamics of turbulent odorant plumes, and structural biology of odorant receptors. Funding for international travel for research secondments is available.

The successful candidate will be embedded in an interdisciplinary team of computational researchers whose expertise spans Neuroscience, Cheminformatics, Software Engineering, Electronics, and Neuromorphic Computing, providing a unique opportunity to learn and create impactful research at the interface of these disciplines. The exact research topic is flexible within the opportunities provided through the Odor2Action research consortium.

The preparation and publication of research manuscripts is a key aspect of the role. Contributions to the preparation of research proposals to funding bodies such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the European Commission are expected. The postholder will proactively create and exploit opportunities to maximise their research activity and engage with stakeholders to support impact.

Skills and Experience

The successful candidate would have a strong theoretical, computational and programming background in AI and/or Machine Learning and/or Data Science, evidenced e.g. by a degree in a relevant discipline or suitable professional experience. Can demonstrate the capability to apply computational methods for research discovery, e.g., through peer-reviewed research papers or monographs. The ability to conduct independent research, usually evidenced by a PhD or comparable research qualification. Must have a proficiency in written and oral English. The ideal candidate would have experience in olfaction research and evidence of prior interdisciplinary research collaboration are a plus. Contribution to software packages and experience in releasing code are beneficial.

Qualifications Required

A minimum of a undergraduate honours degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Chemistry, Biology or a related discipline, and a PhD (or within 3 months of viva) in a relevant discipline.

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria.

An appointment to this role may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

Contact Details for Informal Enquiries

Professor Michael Schmuker, m.schmuker@herts.ac.uk

Closing date: 13 August 2023

Interview date: TBC (Online)

Our vision is to transform lives: UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts