Research Associate*/Research Assistant in Sustainability of AI (Fixed Term)

7*: £37,174 - £45,413

5: £32,546 - £35,116

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented researcher to join our team as part of the Green Algorithms Initiative in the Department of Public Health and Primary Care, one of Europe’s leading academic departments of population health sciences. The post will suit researchers interested in improving our understanding and mitigating the environmental impacts of data centres and artificial intelligence.

Primary role will be to lead projects improving how computing environmental impacts are currently estimated and reported and investigate the impacts of high-impact computational tools in AI. You will have research interests aligned with those of our group and the freedom to develop own ideas for new research. Initial possibilities for research projects include:

• Studying environmental impacts of AI tools expected to become prominent in research in coming years.
• Taking a global view on impacts of data centres and AI, encompassing environmental sustainability, human health, and perspectives from the Global South.
• Exploring ways to better integrate life-cycle analyses in impact estimates and expanding environmental impacts beyond carbon footprint, with a focus on water usage.

This research will be a key component of making computing more sustainable by drastically improving reporting of AI impacts and shedding light on multiple facets of the issue. If needed, you will be trained to obtain the required level of expertise in AI, green computing and environmental sustainability. Your work is expected to lead to first author high-impact publications.

The Green Algorithms Initiative, led by Dr Loïc Lannelongue, is a world-leading project in the field of green computing focusing on quantifying and reducing the environmental impacts of computational science. The tools and frameworks developed and maintained by the group are used internationally and include the popular Green Algorithms online calculator, server-specific monitoring tools, and the GREENER Principles for Environmentally Sustainable Computational Science. The group has a strong commitment to making all tools available open access to the computing community. The Green Algorithms Initiative has received both nominations and awards for its contributions to environmentally sustainable research (e.g. HDR-UK Impact Award).

You will be part of the Lannelongue group and work in close conjunction with senior scientists in the Green Algorithms Initiative, including Dr Lannelongue and Professor Inouye. You will work closely with other members of the Department and scientific collaborators based in other institutions. There will be links with the Department of Computer Science and Technology in Cambridge. You will be expected to work with our wider teams and develop collaborations with local and international groups. Opportunities to develop supervision and teaching skills will be provided.

Preferred candidates will have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in computer science, machine learning/AI, sustainability, or other related subject. A strong interest in the intersection between computing, science and environmental sustainability. Ability to communicate and present results to other scientists, excellent verbal/written communications skills and strong organisational skills.

*Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience), including those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD. Where a PhD has yet to be awarded appointment will initially be made at research assistant and amended to research associate upon award of PhD.

The position is available full time or part time of no less than 70%, for two years.

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