Research Assistant - Computing Team (PAYE Contractor)

Huawei; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Huawei Research and Development UK Limited in Cambridge seeks a motivated Research Assistant to support the Computing team with hands-on technical and research tasks. You will help with experiments, tooling, system validation, and project execution in Linux environments.

The role involves developing automation scripts, maintaining documentation, and coordinating with researchers, engineers, and project managers to drive R&D activities forward in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in a research support, project coordination, systems engineering, or technical support role.
• Solid experience in Linux environments with CLI, basic admin and troubleshooting.
• Ability to write and maintain automation scripts (Bash, Python or similar).
• Practical knowledge of Git and build systems (Make, CMake).
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills using logs and analysis.
• Good understanding of ICT systems and hardware interactions.
• Understanding of CPU/micro-architecture, branch prediction, prefetching and cache hierarchies.
• Proficiency in C/C++, with knowledge of Assembly Language and compiler technologies.

Responsibilities

• Support research and development activities in Linux-based environments, including command-line usage and troubleshooting.
• Assist with research experiments, prototype systems, and performance evaluations related to ICT and computing systems.
• Write and maintain automation scripts to support experimentation and data processing.
• Support the use of version control and build systems, including Git, Make, and CMake.
• Collect and summarize experimental data, logs, and system metrics for reporting.
• Assist in investigating new architectures, tools, or optimisation techniques under senior guidance.
• Support Project Managers in planning, scheduling, and monitoring R&D activities.
• Track milestones, deliverables, dependencies, and risks; maintain project plans and risk registers.
• Prepare and maintain technical and project documentation including proposals and status reports.
• Coordinate communication between internal teams and external partners or stakeholders.
• Organise and support project and research meetings; provide logistical support for execution.

Skills

Linux environments

Command-line usage

System administration

Troubleshooting

Automation scripting

Bash

Python

Git

Make/CMake

Debugging and problem-solving

ICT systems understanding

C/C++ proficiency

Assembly basics

Education

Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Git

Make

CMake

Bash

Python

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join our Computing team. This role combines hands-on technical and research support with project coordination responsibilities, supporting the successful delivery of research and development activities within Huawei's ICT and system research programs. The Research Assistant will work closely with researchers, engineers, and Project Managers to support experimentation, tooling, system validation, and project execution. The role involves working in Linux-based environments, supporting development and build workflows, maintaining technical and research documentation, tracking project progress, and facilitating effective communication across technical teams and stakeholders.,

• Support research and development activities in Linux-based environments, including command-line usage, basic system administration, and troubleshooting.
• Assist with research experiments, prototype systems, and performance evaluations related to ICT and computing systems.
• Write and maintain automation scripts (Bash, Python, or similar) to support experimentation, data processing, and development workflows.
• Support the use of version control and build systems (e.g. Git, Make, CMake), including branching, merging, resolving conflicts, and assisting with build or tooling issues.
• Collect, analyse, and summarise experimental data, logs, and system metrics to support research analysis and reporting.
• Assist in investigating new system architectures, tools, or optimisation techniques under the guidance of senior researchers.
• Support Project Managers in planning, scheduling, and monitoring research and development activities.
• Track project milestones, deliverables, dependencies, and risks, and assist in maintaining project plans and risk registers.
• Prepare and maintain technical and project documentation, including research proposals, schedules, status reports, and meeting records.
• Coordinate communication between internal technical teams and external partners or stakeholders.
• Organise and support project and research meetings, including agenda preparation and follow-up on action items.
• Provide coordination and logistical support to ensure smooth execution of research projects.

This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of Huawei Research and Development UK Limited.

The ideal candidate has a strong technical foundation, good organizational skills, and a proactive mindset. They are comfortable working across both technical and coordination tasks, take ownership of their work, and contribute positively to a fast-paced research environment.,

• Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Background involving research projects, dissertations, or thesis work is highly desirable.

• 1-3 years of experience in a research support, project coordination, systems engineering, or technical support role.
• Experience supporting ICT, computing systems, or software development projects is preferred.

• Solid experience working in Linux environments, including command-line usage, basic system administration, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to write and maintain automation scripts (Bash, Python or similar) to support automation, data processing, and development workflows.
• Practical knowledge of Git and build systems (e.g. Make, CMake), including branching, merging, resolving conflicts, and assisting with build or tooling issues.
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills, using logs, documentation, and analytical thinking to identify root causes.
• Good understanding of ICT systems, with awareness of software and hardware interactions.

• Understanding of CPU architecture and micro-architecture concepts, including branch prediction, prefetching, and cache hierarchies.
• Proficiency in C/C++, with a solid understanding of Assembly Language.
• Experience related to compiler technologies, binary analysis, or performance tuning.

Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have 207,000 employees and operate in over 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world.

Our vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will drive ubiquitous connectivity and promote equal access to networks; bring cloud and artificial intelligence to all four corners of the earth to provide superior computing power where you need it, when you need it; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; redefine user experience with AI, making it more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they're at home, in the office, or on the go.

This strategic focus is a reflection of our core values:

• Staying customer-centric,
• Inspiring dedication,
• Persevering,
• Growing by reflection.