Research Associate in Natural Language Processing

We are seeking a highly motivated AI researcher to join the British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence (BHF CRE) at the University of Manchester. The position will be based within the National Centre for Text Mining (NaCTeM), a leading UK research hub for biomedical text mining and natural language processing, and forms part of the BHF CRE.

This position focuses on advancing large language models (LLMs) and natural language understanding for biomedical and clinical applications, with particular emphasis on cardiovascular research and translational healthcare innovation.

You will play a central role in the development and adaptation of the next generation of biomedical foundation models, large-scale, domain-aware LLMs capable of reasoning across biomedical literature, clinical narratives, and structured patient data. Working alongside leading clinicians, biomedical scientists, and AI researchers, you’ll help design intelligent systems that can accelerate discovery, improve clinical decision support, and enable more transparent, trustworthy biomedical AI.

This position is ideal for a recent PhD graduate looking to build an independent research trajectory that bridges AI, biomedicine, and translational research, with opportunities to publish, collaborate, and shape the future of biomedical LLMs.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we unfortunately may not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Sophia Ananiadou

Email: sophia.ananiadou@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

0161 850 2004 jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

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