Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Environmental AI

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

This full-time, UKRI-funded post is available immediately for 2.5 years (30 months) in the Faculty. We will consider requests for part-time or job-share arrangements on merit but make no commitment at this stage.

The post

The Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in the UKRI AI Research Hub on AI for Collective Intelligence (AI4CI https://ai4ci.ac.uk/). AI4CI is a large consortium of leading UK universities and industry partners that will develop new AI for smart collectives, with case studies in environment, urban analysis, transport, financial markets, health and pandemic preparedness. AI4CI researchers at University of Exeter will develop “smart agent” tools that use large language models and generative AI to support better decision-making about environmental challenges. Specific research topics include: (1) Creating climate-focused or biodiversity chatbots that can deliver complex scientific information to decision-makers; (2) Developing appropriate guardrails, guidelines and testing/evaluation processes to ensure robust and trustworthy performance of environmental smart agents; (3) Creating multimodal delivery mechanisms, including audiovisual avatars, social media bots, and web interfaces; (4) Understanding how smart agents can be used to inform, engage or change behaviours within human populations towards pro-environment outcomes; (5) Engaging with stakeholders to ensure responsible innovation for social good.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds; write academic papers for peer-reviewed publications; and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience and a strong research track record in a related field of study. For this interdisciplinary project, we are looking for multiple types of skills/experience, including: (1) artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science and/or computational methods; (2) domain expertise in environmental sciences including climate change, ecology/biodiversity, sustainability, ecosystems services, or similar; and (3) ethics/governance of AI, responsible innovation and stakeholder engagement. We are interested in applicants with backgrounds relevant to one or more of these areas and will seek to balance the team to complete the right mix of knowledge and skills. Experience of interdisciplinary collaboration will be an advantage. The successful applicant will be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. They will be able to make an effective contribution to the development of smart agent technologies in the context of environmental challenges (see Job Description).

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

Staff Benefits: Benefits | Prospective Staff | University of Exeter

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Further information

For further information please contact Prof Hywel Williams by e-mail (h.t.p.williams@exeter.ac.uk).

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