AI Software Engineer

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK university is seeking an AI Software Engineer to develop a machine learning-enabled system for early detection of rheumatic diseases. The role involves designing and implementing software in collaboration with clinicians and researchers. Candidates should have a background in AI and software development, with excellent data management skills. This full-time position offers a salary of £45,585 per annum and promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Benefits

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Flexible working arrangements

Commitment to gender equality and disability confidence

Qualifications

• Proven experience in AI and machine learning software development.
• Strong understanding of the healthcare domain, specifically NHS systems.
• Experience with data protection regulations, including GDPR.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of the RMD-Health software prototype.
• Integrate AI components for autonomous task handling.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to refine the prototype.

Skills

Machine Learning

Software Development

Data Management

AI Techniques

Education

Relevant Master's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

FHIR

ISO13485

Job description

Full time , Fixed Term Contract

The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 4th January 2026

Interview Date - w/c 20th January 2026

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.

The AI Software Engineer will play a key role in the development of RMD-Health, a machine learning-enabled decision support system designed to improve the early detection and referral of patients with suspected rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR), Invention for Innovation Product Development Award (NIHR206473). The role will involve leading the design, implementation, and testing of the software and agentic AI prototype to meet clinical, technical, regulatory, and user requirements. The post holder will work closely with a multi‑disciplinary team of AI researchers, clinicians, NHS IT specialists, and patient/public representatives. You will:

• Lead the design, development, and optimisation of the RMD-Health software prototype in line with project objectives.
• Integrate agentic AI components, enabling autonomous task handling for data ingestion, quality assessment, and model‑driven decision support.
• Ensure interoperability with NHS Electronic Health Record systems using standards such as FHIR and compliance with DTAC and ISO13485 requirements.
• Work closely with the Machine Learning Engineer to integrate ML models, decision‑support functions, and explainable AI features into the software.
• Develop and maintain secure data pipelines to handle anonymised NHS referral and patient data in line with GDPR and NHS IG standards.
• Collaborate with clinicians, patients, and IT specialists to iteratively refine the prototype through workshops, interviews, and pilot testing.
• Support technical documentation for regulatory submissions (UKCA/CE marking as AIaMD).
• Contribute to academic publications, dissemination activities, and presentations at project meetings.
• Work effectively as part of a multi‑disciplinary team, delivering high‑quality outputs to tight deadlines.

Contact details for advert

Contact Name: Professor Weizi Li

Contact Job Title: Professor of Informatics and Digital Health

Contact Email address: [e-mail]

Alternative Contact Name: Professor Keiichi Nakata

Alternative Contact Job Title: Head of Digitalisation, Marketing and Entrepreneurship

Alternative Contact Email address: [e-mail]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job‑share, part‑time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

£45,585 per annum