Generative AI Research Software Engineer

Full time - 35 hours per week

The opportunity:

We are seeking a Generative AI Research Software Engineer to join the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh. This unique role will lead the development of cutting-edge Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools and applications for the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Designing Responsible NLP. You will be at the forefront of designing an innovative online platform showcasing responsible NLP practices, supporting students from diverse backgrounds in their research endeavours. This position offers the opportunity to leverage your expertise in full-stack development, AI/ML/LLM model fine-tuning, and project management. You will work closely with the CDT Director and Management Team, collaborating with PhD students to create impactful AI applications. Your contributions will shape the future of responsible AI, providing essential tools and resources to a broad audience, including industry, policy makers, and the public. If you are passionate about generative AI, committed to ethical tech practices, and eager to inspire the next generation of AI researchers, we invite you to be part of our vibrant, multidisciplinary environment at the University of Edinburgh.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and we expect the successful candidate to be living in commutable distance to their place of work (the School of Informatics and Edinburgh Futures Institute). 

Your skills and attributes for success: 

Essential

• Relevant university degree, in a relevant technical discipline (e.g., artificial intelligence, computer science, software engineering) or relevant post-degree professional experience (Desirable).
• Strong web development skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Strong Python development skills, with a good knowledge of existing packages for AI/NLP development.
• A very good knowledge of existing NLP techniques, LLMs and evaluation frameworks.
• Experience of training and/or fine-tuning custom AI/ML models.
• Evidence of having used git and associated tools (e.g. GitHub) for version control.
• Excellent technical problem-solving skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience of project management.
• Ability to understand, conceptualise and interpret the requirements of staff and students and to clearly communicate ideas to people with both technical and non-technical backgrounds.

Desirable

• Experience with the most recent foundational language models, e.g. LLaMA-2, Vicuna, Mistral, WizardLM.
• Experience with popular web frameworks/libraries/environments such as Django, D3.js, React, Angular, and Node.js.
• Experience with containerisation tools such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience with database systems such as PostgreSQL, MySQL and MongoDB.
• Proven experience of managing complex projects in academic and industrial backgrounds.
• Experience of teaching or training learners from non-technical backgrounds in technical subjects and techniques.
• Experience in giving visualisation tutorials and workshops

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