Research Associate in Digital Twins for Transport

Loughborough University; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time off

Hybrid working options

On-site nursery

Pension schemes

Healthcare offers

Electric vehicle/cycle-to-work

Job summary

Loughborough University seeks a Research Associate (SSA Grade 6) to work on VISION, a connected digital twin project. You will develop data models and networking for multiple digital twins, supporting real-time operations with edge computing in transport and logistics.

The role requires a PhD (or near completion), strong AI/ML knowledge, programming skills, and a publication track record; collaboration with UK/Spain/Türkiye/South Korea partners is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science or related field (or near completion).
• Strong knowledge of AI/ML, computer networking and distributed systems.
• Good programming skills and a track record of publishing original research.

Responsibilities

• Develop data models and a networking framework for connecting multiple digital twins.
• Create edge computing solutions for real-time digital twins in transport and supply chain logistics.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners from the UK, Spain, Türkiye and South Korea.
• Publish research findings in high-quality venues.

Skills

AI/ML

Programming

Distributed systems

Computer networking

Publications

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related field

Job description

The University is dedicated to supporting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment - to create better futures, together. The diverse backgrounds, characteristics and opinions within our community are our great strength and are key to our pursuit of delivering educational excellence, enterprise, research and professional services. We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and minoritized groups as they are currently under-represented within our community.

We recognise the value of a fulfilling and balanced work and personal life which promotes wellbeing. We seek to support colleagues in achieving this balance and have family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and many roles can be suitable for dynamic working arrangement. This includes considering applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.

We are proud to be a Real Living Wage Employer—so much so that we go beyond the standard, providing additional supplementary payments at specific pay points to further support our employees' financial wellbeing. Further information about the Loughborough Real Living Wage Supplement can be found on our HR webpage .

Loughborough University is a UKVI Sponsor. Some individuals may require sponsorship to enable them to apply for a visa to provide them with the right to work in the UK. Please note certain roles are not eligible for sponsorship. For further information and eligibility please visit the UKVI website .

Job details

Job title Research Associate in Digital Twins for Transport Job reference REQ260748 Date posted 12/10/2026 Application closing date 15/11/2026 Location Loughborough Package Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 6 from £35608

Job description

This is a full-time, fixed-term post for 12 months, running from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2027.

The Department of Computer Science at Loughborough University is seeking to appoint a Research Associate (SSA Grade 6) to work on VISION (Virtual Integrated Supply-chain Improvement with Optimized Networking), an international research and development project funded by Innovate UK under the ITEA programme. VISION aims to research and develop a connected, intelligent supply chain management system built around real-time digital twins. Digital twins of vehicles, materials and logistics assets will be connected through common data models so that data, AI models and simulation results can be shared securely across the supply chain, while edge and in-network computing will bring computation close to the data source to support low-latency, real-time operation. The project targets the construction, mining, aerospace and logistics sectors, with the aim of improving efficiency, traceability and resilience and reducing carbon emissions.

The successful candidate will collaborate with Professor Posco Tso, his team, and industrial and academic partners from the UK, Spain, Türkiye and South Korea to develop data models and a networking framework for connecting multiple digital twins, together with edge computing solutions for real-time digital twins in transport and supply chain logistics. They will hold a PhD (or be near completion) in computer science or a related discipline, and have sound knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), computer networking and distributed systems, good programming skills, and experience of publishing original research. Research experience in digital twins, edge computing, the Internet of Things or in-network computing, and a strong publication record in competitive venues, would be an advantage.

The Research Associate will be based in the internationally renowned Department of Computer Science at Loughborough University, UK. Foundedin 1974, the Department of Computer Science is one of the most well-established university computing departments in the UK with a long track record of developing skilled and highly employable graduates, as well as a reputation for cutting edge research and industry engagement. The University is ranked 8th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2027) and 203rd in the world (QS World University Rankings 2027). In the REF 2021, the department ranked in position 32 out of 90 UK universities, and 91% of Loughborough's research was classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Informal enquiries should be made to Professor Posco Tso by email at [e-mail] .

Job Description and Person Specification .

Our Benefits

At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:

Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.

Where you work - access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Financial Wellbeing - competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.

Support for you and those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.

Health and Wellbeing - discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.

Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.

Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.