Research & Innovation Associate/Fellow in Safe Autonomous Systems

University of York; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in York is seeking a researcher in Computer Science focusing on safety assurance for robotics and autonomous systems. You will develop methods grounded in safety engineering and communicate your findings to diverse audiences. A PhD and experience in machine learning and systems safety are required. The role involves teamwork and innovation in safety-critical sectors.

Qualifications

• First degree in Computer Science or cognate discipline.
• PhD in relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of systems safety engineering, robotics, or AI.

Responsibilities

• Develop methods for safety assurance of autonomous systems.
• Work closely with engineers and researchers.
• Explain research to varied audiences.

Skills

Knowledge of systems safety engineering

Experience with robotics

Machine learning model development

Communication skills

Education

First degree in Computer Science or cognate discipline

PhD in computer science, autonomous systems, or equivalent experience

Job description

Department

You will join an exciting new research centre in the Department of Computer Science at the University of York. The Centre for Assuring Autonomy (CfAA) is building on the work of the Assuring Autonomy International Programme (AAIP) which pioneered approaches to assuring autonomous systems and their machine learning (ML) components. The CfAA also contributes to the assurance pillar of the Institute for Safe Autonomy (ISA), hosted within its own dedicated building with access to extensive robotics labs. As part of the CfAA you will be joining a world‑leading team of researchers who are actively shaping standards, policy and industrial practice in a range of safety‑critical sectors.

Role

This role will give you the opportunity to enable the safe and responsible uptake of robotics and autonomous systems in a range of application sectors including autonomous driving, maritime, and healthcare. Building on previous research undertaken in the AAIP such as SACE and AMLAS (https://www.york.ac.uk/assuring-autonomy/guidance/), you will develop methods that lead to the creation of convincing through‑life safety assurance arguments for AI‑based autonomous systems and demonstrate how these methods can be applied within an industrial context. This post provides a unique opportunity to develop and validate innovative approaches to safety assurance on real autonomous robotic systems, grounded within a solid foundation of systems safety engineering and computer science. The role will require you to work closely and effectively with other team members including experienced engineers and researchers and be able to explain your research clearly and precisely to a range of different audiences.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You must have a first degree in Computer Science or cognate discipline and a PhD in computer science, autonomous systems, or equivalent experience. You should have knowledge of systems safety engineering, robotics, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence or a related discipline. Experience of developing machine learning models for embedded systems is desirable. You must have experience of undertaking high quality research. In addition, for Grade 7, you must demonstrate a proven ability to attract research funding and to take responsibility for managing a research project that includes the supervision of work of others.

Interview dates:18th/19th December

For informal enquiries: please contact Prof. Simon Burton – [e-mail]