Research Assistant in Bioinformatics

Cranfield Water; Aldershot; Hybrid; GBP 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Cranfield Water is seeking a skilled Bioinformatics researcher to lead a project focused on AI and molecular methods for pollinator monitoring. The role involves developing software, training students, and collaborating with global academic partners. A BSc in Bioinformatics and experience with Python and R are essential for this part-time fixed-term position.

Qualifications

• Experience in Biosciences and Bioinformatics.
• Practical experience in Machine Learning models.
• High-level analytical capabilities required.

Responsibilities

• Develop methodologies for pollinator monitoring using AI.
• Investigate computer vision and Deep Learning developments.
• Train international students in AI methodologies.

Skills

Python

R

Machine Learning

Bioinformatics

Analytical Skills

Education

BSc in Bioinformatics

Job description

Organisation

Cranfield University

Faculty or Department

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Based at

Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire

Hours of work

22.5 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.

Contract type

Fixed term contract

Fixed Term Period

For 18 months

Salary

Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £28,929 per annum, pro rata (22.5 hours per week)

Posted Date

27/05/2025

Apply by

24/06/2025

Documents

• 5085 - JD & Person Spec.pdf (PDF, 285.71kb)
  
  

Role Description

We welcome applications from committed and skilled candidates to join our team to support and deliver a British Council funded project led by UK and Thai academics.

About The Role

Your role will be to develop novel methodologies for qualitative and quantitative pollinator monitoring using a combination of AI and molecular methods. You will work with multiple academic partners in Thailand and Australia in a project funded by the British Council, and you will be responsible for investigating the latest developments in computer vision and Deep Learning to develop powerful and versatile AI systems and user-friendly software able to automatically process images from still photos and videos and export detailed reports incorporating statistical analysis. You will also use DNA metabarcoding methodologies to uncover bee foraging patterns in tropical areas. You will also undertake training of international students in AI and organize online and face-to-face seminars.

About You

You will have a BSc in Bioinformatics or related discipline, or the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience. You are required to have extensive research experience in Biosciences and Bioinformatics using Python and R and practical experience of applying these skills and techniques in Machine Learning models and software development.

High level analytical capability is essential, alongside excellent oral and written presentation skills. Experience in delivery of training seminars, workshops, technical meetings would also be desirable.

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

The Cranfield Bioinformatics Group is a multidisciplinary team of academics and research scientists working in diverse areas from crop genome assemblies to soil science and food safety and security using state of the art bioinformatics tools and machine learning methodologies and assist with the group’s teaching and outreach activities.

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.

How To Apply

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Maria Anastasiadi, Senior Lecturer in Bioinformatics, on (E): [e-mail]

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: [e-mail]. Please quote reference number 5085.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 24 June 2025

Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.