Research Fellow in Computer Science (ARC)

Based in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics is an innovative, creative and inspiring place to study and covers the subject areas of civil and coastal engineering, computing, electrical and electronic engineering and robotics, mathematical sciences, mechanical, marine and materials engineering.

With many internationally recognised experts, our teaching staff are passionate about providing a practical learning experience enabling students to gain skills for the future. With the sustainably refurbished Babbage Building, STEAM subjects come together to support academic collaboration and innovation. Students of the School benefit from hands-on, state of the art learning environments, seeing projects through from design to manufacture, solving real-world challenges and working with students across disciplines. The School also hosts the Marine Building, home to the world-class Coastal, Ocean and Sediment Transport (COAST) Laboratory, amongst many other facilities. 

The School is a collaborative and interdisciplinary community of world-leading academics and researchers focused upon the creation of knowledge and innovative solutions that have a positive impact upon society. The School has an extensive portfolio of research from offshore renewable energy, coastal engineering and robotics to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science.

The School holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award demonstrating the University’s ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and success for all, and is an official Signatory of the Tomorrow's Engineers Code, a framework for organisations with a mission to increase the diversity and number of young people entering engineering careers.

Food Security is a key global concern and supporting our farmers, growers and landowners to monitor and minimise the environmental impact of growing & rearing our food of utmost importance, more so in rural areas such as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The University of Plymouth is looking to appoint a dynamic & experienced Research Fellow in Computer Science & DATA Visualisation to work on Agri-Robotics Cornwall (ARC), funded by the UK Government/Cornwall Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (IoS) (known as the Good Growth Fund).

ARC is part of the Good Growth Entrepreneurial Futures project and will be demonstrating, deploying and testing automation & robotic systems incorporating AR/VR, AI, drones & sensors, at a number of agricultural/horticultural locations across Cornwall & IoS, specifically showcasing & testing emerging technology & mobile platforms for research and commercialisation purposes alongside farmers & growers.

The project aims to accelerate growth of the agri-enviro tech & agri food sectors in Cornwall & IoS, supporting the future green economy and providing opportunities for tech companies, growers, farmers & landowners to collaborate and develop, deploy and trial current and emerging technology at a field level alongside experts and researchers in soil/biodiversity/crop health etc. We will be developing, trialling and demonstrating mobile platforms, automation, sensors, drones and robotic technology, working with a number of academics, commercial partners, stakeholders and students, specifically in the farming, agri-enviro tec and horticulture sectors. You will be working with a number of cross disciplinary researchers & project teams, gathering data, developing and testing technology etc in all environments & weathers.

This is a full time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis until 31^st March 2025, subject to funding confirmation. Extensions may be available subject to securing future funding.

You will be based at the University’s main campus and expected to work across Cornwall & IoS when required. Remote working is available up to 3 days a week.

For details on the key duties, please see the Job Description.

You must be well organised and have practical experience of working in the field of computer science, data gathering and visualisation. Experience of working with sensors, drones & robotic technology in external environments would be a bonus. You will also be working with academic/research teams, funding bodies and commercial/agricultural stakeholders. You must also be used to working in a fast paced project delivery environment with a high level of numeracy and accuracy.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Please note – UK Shared Prosperity Fund – this project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as the Lead Authority for the fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

For an informal discussion, please contact Dr Lauren Ansell by email lauren.adams@plymouth.ac.uk

Closing date: 12 Midnight, Sunday 16^th June 2024

Interviews are likely to take place week commencing Monday 17^th June 2024 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

Flexible working options including job share will be considered.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages.

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.