Research Fellow in Machine Learning Assisted Choice Modelling

University of Leeds; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days holiday + bank holidays

Generous pension scheme

Health and Wellbeing: The Edge gym

Personal development courses

On-site childcare, shopping discounts,

Travel schemes

Job summary

The University of Leeds invites applications for a fixed-term role in the Choice Modelling Centre to develop AI-assisted methods for discrete choice models. You will lead methodological research, develop open-source software and collaborate with researchers across transport, health and environmental applications.

The successful candidate will publish in leading journals, contribute to cross-disciplinary teams and help advance interpretable AI in econometrics and behavioural data science.

Qualifications

• Expertise in discrete choice modelling and behavioural data science.
• Experience with machine learning methods applied to behavioural modelling.
• Ability to lead methodological research and publish in top journals.

Responsibilities

• Lead methodological research in discrete choice modelling and AI-assisted methods.
• Develop open-source software to support researchers and practitioners.
• Publish research findings in leading journals and present at conferences.
• Collaborate with researchers across transport, health and environmental domains.

Skills

Discrete choice modelling

Behavioural data science

Machine learning

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Job description

Working Time

100% FTE - 37.5 hours per week

Post Type

Full Time

Contract Type

Fixed Term (12 months to complete specific time limited work.)

This role will be based on the university campus with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

The University of Leeds is one of the top 80 universities in the world. We have a truly global community, with more than 39,000 students from 170 different countries and over 9,000 staff of 100 different nationalities. Established in 1904, we have a strong tradition of academic excellence, reflected in first-class student education, along with world-leading research that has a real impact around the globe.

Do you have expertise in discrete choice modelling, behavioural data science or machine learning? Are you interested in developing the next generation of AI tools that accelerate scientific discovery while maintaining behavioural realism and interpretability?

You will join the Choice Modelling Centre to develop AI-assisted methods for specifying, estimating and validating discrete choice models. The project aims to bring together ideas from machine learning, econometric choice modelling and mathematical psychology. You will investigate how large language models, optimisation algorithms and automated model search methods can support researchers in constructing robust behavioural models without replacing scientific judgement. The emphasis is on interpretable AI processes that complements econometric theory and domain expertise.

The successful candidate will lead methodological research, develop open-source software, publish in leading journals, and collaborate with researchers across transport, health and environmental applications.

Visa Eligibility

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Professor Stephane Hess, Professor of Choice Modelling

Email:

Further Details:

Candidate Brief