Research Assistant/Research Associate - Data Science of Science (Fixed Term)

Are you passionate about understanding what drives innovation?

Are you looking for an opportunity to leverage data science methods and tools to analyse the scientific process?

We are looking for a Research Assistant/Research Associate to join our team, developing a new project that explores the data science of science.

The science-of-science community uses the tools of science to understand what influences the rate and direction of scientific activity, through interdisciplinary study of the conduct of research. The Data Science of Science project will identify the infrastructures needed to deploy data science and AI for the science of science, and develop tools to support this deployment. The project starts from the hypothesis that a data-enabled understanding of the lifecycle of a research project would deliver value for a range of R&D stakeholders. It will proceed by convening pilot studies that tackle the practical obstacles to deploying data science and AI and that demonstrate the value of data science for science in real-world applications. This might include research to develop innovative methods for data linkage, management, and analysis.

This project is part of the Accelerate Programme for Scientific Discovery, a high-profile Cambridge University initiative deploying AI in the service of science. It is an opportunity to build a new research strand from the ground-up. The project will collaborate across disciplines and organisations to develop new research tools, deliver pilots, and build understanding of how to use data and AI for the science of science.

Successful applicants will be expected to have:

- A PhD in a relevant specialist subject

- Research experience in a relevant discipline, demonstrating sufficient specialist knowledge and methods to work within established research programmes;

- Experience of working in interdisciplinary environments and strong motivation to apply AI for scientific discovery;

- Organisational skills and the ability to manage their own workload;

- Communication skills and the ability to communicate research clearly to diverse stakeholders;

- Relationship-building skills and the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD including those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD in which case appointment will initially be made at Research Assistant (Grade 5) and amended to Research Associate (Grade 7) when the PhD is awarded. 

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year in the first instance.

The closing date for applications is the 21st April 2024 and interviews will be held on the 1st and 8th of May.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the apply button above.

Please ensure that you give examples of how your skills and experience match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role in your covering letter. If you upload any documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact accelerate-science@cst.cam.ac.uk

If you have any queries about the application process please contact personnel-admin@cst.cam.ac.uk.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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