Research Associate In Digital Twins For Transport

Loughborough University; Sharnford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Loughborough University’s Department of Computer Science invites applications for a Research Associate (SSA Grade 6) to work on VISION, a UK Innovate-funded project on digital twins for supply chains and logistics. The role is a full-time, fixed-term post for 12 months starting 1 January 2027.

You will collaborate with Professor Posco Tso and industrial and academic partners across the UK, Spain, Türkiye and South Korea to develop data models, a networking framework, and edge computing solutions

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in computer science or a closely related field.
• Strong knowledge of AI, ML, networking and distributed systems.
• Experience publishing research in reputable venues is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Professor Posco Tso and partners to develop data models for VISION.
• Design a networking framework and edge computing solutions for real-time digital twins.
• Publish research findings and contribute to project deliverables across UK, Spain, Türkiye and South Korea.

Skills

AI/ML

Networking

Distributed systems

Programming

Education

PhD in Computer Science

Tools

Python

TensorFlow

C++

Job description

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. Founded in 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.