Senior Research Associate Computational Operational Research

University of Portsmouth; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global university is seeking a Senior Research Associate in Computational Operational Research to join a tri-continental project on enhanced safety management for undersea infrastructure. The successful candidate will design algorithms and collaborate with international stakeholders. This role offers a hybrid work model with the potential to work remotely up to three days a week, as well as a competitive salary and generous benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous pension scheme

Flexible working policies

Excellent training and development opportunities

Discounted gym membership

Family-friendly policies

Recreation facilities

Start-up business mentoring

Qualifications

• Experience in developing and applying Operational Research techniques is required.
• Familiarity with maritime stakeholders and international projects is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop scheduling and resource allocation algorithms.
• Liaise with project team and maritime stakeholders.
• Assist in developing scientific journal papers.

Skills

Operational Research techniques

International experience

Maritime safety context

Education

Relevant degree in a related field

Job description

Overview

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference. Experience the pride of being part of a select group — one of only four universities in the south-east of England to achieve a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. We also rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings. Ambition, Responsibility and Openness drive our endeavours. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, where dedication to excellence is key.

The Role

We are seeking a senior research associate in computational operational research to work on a new project funded by the Lloyd's Register Foundation on Enhanced Safety Management and Training for Critical Undersea Infrastructure. This is a significant tri-continental, four-year project and the successful candidate will liaise with colleagues at partner Universities and maritime stakeholders in Brazil and the Philippines. The senior research associate will be a member of the Centre for Operational Research and Decision Analytics (CORDA) and will work with the cross-faculty University of Portsmouth project team of Prof Dylan Jones, Prof Ashraf Labib, Dr Banafsheh Khosravi and Dr Negar Akbari.

The Senior Research Associate will work with Dr Banafsheh Khosravi and the rest of the project team to design, develop and document a set of scheduling and resource allocation algorithms for the prevention of, and response to, safety incidents occurring to critical undersea infrastructure. The algorithms will be co-designed with maritime stakeholders and result in a deliverable usable by them. The Senior Research Associate will also assist in the development of scientific journal papers. The position is available for a three-year period, ideally starting on 1 November 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Experience of developing and applying Operational Research techniques in an international, maritime or safety context is an advantage for the position. Interested candidates can contact the project lead ([e-mail]) with any questions or queries they may have. This appointment is a fixed-term contract until 30/09/2028. Interviews will take place on 20 October. Candidates are welcome to work remotely up to three days a week but should be around the department and available for research meetings and other activities such as seminar attendance at least two days per week.

Benefits

Discover the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:

• Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32-35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Staff wellbeing programmes.
• Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, campus dining schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
• Discounted learning.
• Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.
• The perks don’t stop there — click 'apply' for further information on My Reward and Benefits.

UKVI and ED&I Statements

UKVI Statement
Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.

ED&I Statement
We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community. As an Athena SWAN and Race Equality Charter award holder, a member of Stonewall and a Disability Confident Employer we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills, perspectives and experiences. In addition, we want our workforce to be representative of our diverse student population. Please see our EDI Framework and objectives.

Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.