Research Assistant/Associate - Conversational Engineering

SONICOM; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits at a renowned institution for a Research Assistant/Associate in Conversational Engineering. You will collaborate with leading experts to develop innovative text and voice-based conversational agents aimed at supporting individuals living with dementia. This role offers a unique chance to contribute to impactful research while enhancing your professional portfolio. Join a diverse and inclusive team dedicated to advancing health technology and making a difference in the lives of others. If you are passionate about software engineering and research, this position is a perfect fit for you.

Benefits

Flexible working policy

Generous family leave packages

On-site leisure facilities

Cycle-to-work scheme

Interest-free season ticket loan

Qualifications

• PhD or working towards a PhD in relevant fields is required.
• Experience in research and publication in refereed journals.

Responsibilities

• Develop scalable software for conversational agents using behavioral tracking data.
• Create chatbots with LLMs and integrate with APIs like Twilio.

Skills

Software for message processing

LLM applications using LangChain

Python

Flutter or React Native

Twilio or other messaging platforms

SPSS

R

Research methods and statistical procedures

Education

PhD in computer science

PhD in software engineering

PhD in design engineering

Tools

LangChain

SPSS

R

Job description

Research Assistant / Associate – Conversational Engineering

Job number ENG03373

Faculties Faculty of Engineering

Salary or Salary range: £43,003 - £48,056 per annum

Location/campus: South Kensington and White City Campus - Hybrid

Contract type: Full time - Fixed term

Posting End Date: 12 Jan 2025

About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant / Associate to undertake work in the software engineering of conversational agents, as part of the Dementia Research Institute. You will be working with Prof Rafael Calvo and Prof Ravi Vaidyanathan on developing text and voice-based conversational agents that support people living with dementia, their carers, and a clinical team overseeing their wellbeing.

This research will build on research in psychology and design practice and help build your research portfolio with contributions beyond software and in leading health technology journals.

What you would be doing

Responsibilities and duties include developing scalable, safe software that uses behavioural tracking data from over 100 smart homes (with sensors in doors, beds, watches, etc.) to support conversational agents that provide appropriate support to the different actors.

Your role will include the development of chatbots using LLMs, and will also include developing back-end (e.g., analysis of the conversations), integrating with APIs (e.g., Twilio and LLMs), and possibly some front-end development (e.g., platforms like WhatsApp, or mobile apps in Flutter). You will also be expected to write presentations and publications.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone who holds a PhD or is working towards a PhD in computer science, software, or design engineering and has practical experience within a research environment and/or publication in relevant and refereed journals.

You should be experienced in developing:

• Software for message processing
• LLM applications using LangChain
• In Python
• For Flutter or React Native
• With Twilio or other messaging platforms

You should also have advanced computer and statistical skills in using tools like SPSS or R, and knowledge of research methods and statistical procedures.

What we can offer you

• Opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day 1, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities, a cycle-to-work scheme, or an interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Being part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

The role is full-time and is a fixed-term contract for 2 years.

Please refer to the Job Description for a full list of the key responsibilities and the essential and desired requirements.

Should you require any further details on the role, contact Prof Rafael Calvo, Chair in Engineering Design, via [e-mail].

Should you have any queries about the application process, contact Monika Delczyk, Senior Finance and Staff Administrator, via [e-mail].

The interview date will be confirmed in an invitation to shortlisted candidates.

Planned start date: February 2025 or later.

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at [e-mail]. We're here to help.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.

As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.

This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.

Our Culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences, and abilities.

Our values are at the root of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.