SMQB Centre Fellow - Systems Modelling and Quantitative Biomedicine

Contract type: Fixed term, 3 years.

Are you looking to develop an independent research career?

Do you want to work on a variety of biomedical and healthcare challenges?

Then join the Centre for Systems Modelling and Quantitative Biomedicine (SMQB) – a strategic research centre that brings together mathematics, computer science and medicine across the University of Birmingham.

Our mission is to co-create solutions to research challenges across biomedicine and health with a range of stakeholders using techniques from machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science and statistical and mathematical modelling.

We work in partnership with industry, academic researchers across disciplines, clinical scientists, as well as people with lived experience of disease and members of the public.

Our key research themes are mathematical and computer modelling; neuroscience and neurology; endocrinology, metabolism and reproduction; and medical sensors and wearables. Currently comprising 4 Professors, 1 Associate Professor, 4 Assistant Professors, alongside several postdoctoral researchers and PhD students. We are also the hub for a £1.3M EPSRC/MRC Network in responsible neurotechnology. 

If you have the demonstrated capacity to work independently, think creatively and desire to address big challenges in biomedicine and health then we want to hear from you.

What to expect

As a Centre Fellow, you are critical for the success of our interdisciplinary ethos. You will be supported to transition to an independent research career, with opportunities to develop and grown your own research portfolio. Alongside your own research, you will work on a variety of pump-priming interdisciplinary research projects with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

Holding a PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline you will ideally already have postdoctoral experience with skills that complement our existing cohort of Centre Fellows. You will be curiosity driven and seeking to further develop your quantitative skills to tackle some of the most pressing healthcare and societal challenges.

The role comprises two main parts to which you will devote your time equally:  

Pursuing your own personal programme of research. You will:

• Develop your own independent programme of research in one or more of the key research themes of the Centre, while being immersed in a highly supportive and dynamic environment.
• Receive mentoring and support from world-class academics, as well as the training and coaching needed to support your transition to independence.
• Be supported by a dedicated professional services team to apply for independent funding and build your experience and collaborative network through relevant activities such as business or public engagement activities.

Pump-priming interdisciplinary research projects. You will:

• Provide the quantitative expertise and leadership to co-create and develop needs-driven projects of biomedical and clinical significance with researchers from across our unique university, hospital and industry ecosystem.
• Work closely with relevant industrial partners in areas such as digital health, MedTech or diagnostics, alongside academics, healthcare users and members of the public.
• Propose and develop collaborative projects and co-create commercialisation and translational opportunities where applicable. This includes liaising with industry, senior academics, and Business Engagement to ensure the proposed research is fit for purpose and conducting research and publishing outcomes, as appropriate to the disciplinary area and specific project.
• Benefit from access to interdisciplinary training development and leadership opportunities.

Requirements

• A PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Extensive research experience and achievement in knowledge transfer, enterprise and innovative data-enabled research within one or more of the following areas:
  • Machine learning and/or AI
  • Scientific computing and programming in multiple high-level programming languages (e.g. Python, Matlab, Julia, R)
  • Statistical modelling/statistical inference
  • Image analysis; time series analysis; data visualisation
  • Interdisciplinary mathematical modelling
  • Wearable technologies
• Either industrial experience or the transferable skills and desire to engage in stakeholder-led research with industry partners.
• Experience and achievement reflected in a growing reputation.
• Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project managing research to deliver high quality results.
• Extensive experience of applying and/or developing and devising successful models, techniques and methods.
• Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in own work area
• Ability to monitor and evaluate the extent to which equality and diversity legislation, policies, procedures are applied.
• Ability to identify issues with the potential to impact on protected groups and take appropriate action.

What we can offer you

• A package of tailored support to put you in the best place to transition you to independence through either personal fellowship funding or permanent academic roles.
• Strong academic support and mentorship to develop your own independent programme of research, bespoke support from a dedicated professional services team and access to training, development and leadership opportunities.
• A significant budget for travel and computing that you are responsible for managing, as well as having the opportunity to arrange workshops, conferences and hosting international visitors.
• Alongside generous holiday provision, the University offers a range of benefits to help you achieve a better balance between your family and work responsibilities. We provide discounts on childcare and have two day nurseries and a holiday club on or near campus.  In addition, you can benefit from a number of retail offers and discounts and you will have the opportunity to join private medical and dental schemes such as the National Dental Plan. For more information about staff benefits, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/employeebenefits/index.aspx

How to apply 

Applicants are encouraged to get in touch early for an informal chat about the role. Initial enquiries should be addressed to Dr Rebecca Ward, SMQB Programme Manager at r.j.ward.2@bham.ac.uk

To apply and be considered for a Centre Fellow role you must submit:

• a current CV
• a two-page (max) summary of the personal programme of research you plan to undertake within the Centre, including key collaborators within the University of Birmingham that you would seek to interact;
• a recent publication that best reflects your skills and experience alongside a brief narrative describing its impact;
• answers to the required questions on the application website that clearly explain how you satisfy the essential criteria for the role, as detailed within the ‘Requirements’ section.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an assessment and interview in person at the University of Birmingham.