Research Fellow in Advanced Topics in Intelligent Systems

University of Hertfordshire; Hatfield; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a full-time Research Fellow in Advanced Topics in Intelligent Systems. This role involves conducting cutting-edge research in AI and robotics while collaborating with colleagues and external partners. The successful candidate must have outstanding programming skills and a PhD in a relevant area. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research projects and publish findings. A commitment to collaboration and excellence is essential.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Flexible location opportunities

Discounted Sports Village memberships

Free Active Staff sessions

Qualifications

• Outstanding programming skills in at least one major computer language.
• PhD or equivalent in a relevant subject area or equivalent experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in adaptive systems and AI.
• Contribute to research publications and proposals.
• Manage complex research projects in collaboration with partners.

Skills

Outstanding programming skills in at least one major computer language

Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills

Ability to work independently and in a structured manner

Strong theoretical background in AI, machine learning

Experience with probabilistic modelling

Education

PhD in relevant subject area or close to completion

Job description

Post Title: Research Fellow in Advanced Topics in Intelligent Systems

FTE: 1 FTE (working 37 hours per week)
Duration of Contract: Fixed term (3 years)
Salary: UH7 £38,784pa to £ 46,049pa by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience
Annual Leave: 35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year
Location: College Lane Campus, Hatfield

Main duties and responsibilities

We are seeking a full-time Research Fellow to join the Adaptive Systems Research Group (ASRG) at the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire to conduct research breaking new ground beyond current state of the art in adaptive systems, including, but not limited to AI and learning systems and/or robotics. Research topics can include but are not limited to novel approaches to structure learning, intrinsic motivation, fundamentals of cognition, and the sensorimotor loop, embodied and adaptive robotics. The Research Fellow in Emerging Topics in Adaptive Systems will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct complex and challenging projects in this area as opportunities allow.

The Research Fellow in Emerging Topics in Adaptive Systems will be expected to establish a programme of research activity working collaboratively with colleagues at UH and partner organisations. You will contribute to the preparation of proposals and applications for funding to external bodies, such as the European Commission and the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The Research Fellow in Emerging Topics in Adaptive Systems will create opportunities to maximise research activities, capturing relevant evidence to support impact and engaging with external partners and stakeholders.

Skill and experience required

• Outstanding programming skills in at least one major computer language and expertise in at least one strong mathematical/quantitative or robotics background.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills and proficiency in both written and oral English.
• Ability to work independently and in a structured manner, with good collaborative skills within a team.
• Strong theoretical and programming background in AI, machine learning, mathematical modelling including physics-based models, and/or robot development (hardware and/or software) – desirable.
• Experience with probabilistic modelling, stochastic control, information theoretic AI, Artificial Life or related topics – desirable.

Qualifications required

• Educated with a Degree (or equivalent level 6 qualification) and a PhD (or equivalent level 8 qualification), or close to completion of PhD (no more than 3 months prior to viva) in a relevant subject area, or equivalent experience.

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

Internal applicants – please ensure you apply via your employee self‑service portal.

An appointment to this role may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

Please note, this post cannot be visa sponsored unless you can evidence a PhD / Doctorate.

Contact Details / Informal Enquiries

Prof. Dr. Daniel Polani, [e-mail]

Closing Date: 05 January 2026
Interview Date: TBC
Reference Number: REQ000371
Date advert placed: 02 December 2025

Our vision is to transform lives: UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics, and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts