Research Associate

University of Leicester; Leicester; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Leicester invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the ABIGAIL-4D project. You will explore human-computer interaction and user-centred design to develop trustworthy AI in breast cancer care. Collaboration spans computing, genomics, cancer sciences and international partners.

You will conduct mixed-method research, contribute to publications and stakeholder activities, and help advance responsible AI in healthcare across Europe.

Qualifications

• You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in HCI, Human Factors, Ergonomics, Product Design or related field.
• You will have experience contributing to research outputs such as peer-reviewed publications, technical reports or software development.
• Experience of participatory design, co-design methods, interviews, focus groups and technology evaluation is valuable.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct high-quality research using qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method approaches.
• Lead co-design workshops, interviews, focus groups, and laboratory and field studies.
• Contribute to publications, conferences, stakeholder engagement and project deliverables.

Skills

Participatory design

Co-design methods

Interviews

Focus groups

Qualitative & quantitative analysis

Education

PhD in Human-Computer Interaction or related discipline

Job description

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the ABIGAIL-4D (Advancing Breast Cancer Individualised Generative AI for Longitudinal Outcomes) project, a major European-funded research programme developing innovative AI-driven decision-support systems for personalised breast cancer treatment. Based within the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, the role will focus on human-computer interaction, human-AI interaction and user-centred design, contributing to the development of transparent, trustworthy and clinically relevant technologies that support treatment decisions. Working under the supervision of Dr Genovefa Kefalidou, you will collaborate with colleagues across computing, genomics, cancer sciences and healthcare, as well as a broad network of academic, clinical and industry partners across Europe.

You will plan and conduct high-quality research using qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method approaches, including co-design workshops, interviews, focus groups, laboratory studies and field evaluations. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to publications, conferences, stakeholder engagement activities and project deliverables while helping to shape the future of responsible AI in healthcare.

About you

You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Ergonomics, Product Design or a closely related discipline, and will have experience contributing to research outputs such as peer-reviewed publications, technical reports or software development. You will bring strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, experience of designing and conducting research studies, and the confidence to analyse and communicate both qualitative and quantitative findings to a range of audiences. Experience of participatory design, co-design methods, interviews, focus groups and technology evaluation will be particularly valuable for success in this role.

We are looking for a collaborative and motivated researcher with excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with clinicians, patients, researchers and external partners. You will be comfortable managing your own workload while contributing to multidisciplinary teams and international collaborations, and will be keen to develop innovative approaches that advance human-centred AI and healthcare research. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to build your research profile while contributing to a project with the potential to improve personalised cancer care across Europe.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and can be made to Dr Genovefa Kefalidou on [e-mail]

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local communitythrough our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusivethrough our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Vacancy terms

Full-time or job share, fixed term contract from 01 January 2027 to 31 December 2029