Research Assistant in Semantic Web Programming Support

Digital Economy is an RCUK cross-council programme, aimed at realising the transformational impact of ICT for all aspects of business, society and economy. The dot.rural Digital Economy Hub at the University of Aberdeen is one of three large multi-disciplinary research hubs funded through this programme, and commenced its activities in October 2009.

The Hub award to Aberdeen is worth £11.8M and funds five years of activity. The Hub brings together a large team of researchers (70+) working in and across the disciplines of computer science, communications engineering, human geography, sociology, transport studies, health sciences and environmental science. For further details, see: www.dotrural.ac.uk.

To support our ambitious research programme we are now looking to appoint a research assistant to provide programming support on a SICSA Smart Tourism project (CURIOS Mobile) that uses semantic web/ linked data technology to connect mobile users in a rural location, to a linked data archive. Your primary role will be to work in collaboration with the existing team to build a mobile app that will deliver this data to the user in an appropriate form.

You should have a good Honours degree in Computer Science or a related discipline; an MSc with a relevant specialism would also be desirable. You are expected to be a highly competent programmer in Java and to have good knowledge of at least one of the following areas: ontologies, automated reasoning, linked data and provenance. You should also have some significant practical experience in at least one of these areas and also some background in creating/maintaining websites. Enthusiasm for digital technology and innovation relevant to society and the economy is essential as is the ability to work as part of a cross-disciplinary team.

As this post is funded by SICSA it will be offered for a period of 6 months. 

Salary will be at the appropriate point on the Grade 5 salary scale (£25,504 - £28,685 per annum) with placement according to qualifications and experience.

Should you require a visa to undertake paid employment in the UK you will be required to fulfil the minimum points criteria to be granted a Certificate of Sponsorship and Tier 2 visa. As appropriate, at the time an offer of appointment is made you will be asked to demonstrate that you fulfil the criteria in respect of financial maintenance and competency in English. Please do not hesitate to contact Sharon Cassidy, HR Adviser, for further information on this.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr David Beel (01224 272566, e-mail d.e.beel@abdn.ac.uk ).

Online application forms and further information is available at www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs.

Please quote reference SOC003R on all correspondence.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 15 May 2013.

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