Research Associate

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,296 to £34,866 with potential progression once in post to £39,105

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to March 2027

Background

This is an exciting and unique opportunity for an ambitious MSc graduate in the area of computer and/or data science with the ability and confidence to develop machine learning and artificial intelligence research applications in health data science. The successful applicant will work with Dr. Andreas Karwath within the Centre for Health Data Science on a Wellcome Leap Inc. – ‘Untangling Addiction’ funded project, which aims to develop advanced multi-modal integrative machine learning approaches to predict the opioid dependence of patients after major surgery. 

The successful candidate will have a strong background in computer science and/or data science with an interest in state-of the-art machine learning, artificial intelligence and multi-modal data integration. Experience with applying explainable machine learning/AI approaches within a medical or clinical setting, in particular in combining different modalities (EHR, biomarkers, longitudinal data, multi-omics, EEGs, NLP, etc.), is a clear advantage.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Data pre-processing of a wide variety of clinical data (structured, unstructured and omics)
• Developing novel computer-based models, techniques and methods in close collaboration with the project investigators
• Analyse research data as directed
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• An MSc degree (or equivalent) in the areas of (Health) Data Science, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or related discipline. 
• Practical experience in data pre-processing and in applying machine learning/AI methods to clinical and medical challenges with additional focus on multi-modal data integration, cross-sectional & longitudinal data and explainable AI. 
• Excellent programming skills in Python and practical knowledge of current machine learning and deep learning libraries and frameworks (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hugging Face, etc.).
• Experience in High Performance Computing and Linux-based systems is a plus.
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively.
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly. characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Andreas Karwath, email: a.karwath@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

Closes: 19/02/2025

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