The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join the UKRI-funded BeefTwin project at the School of Computer Science, University of Sheffield. This groundbreaking project aims to integrate digital twin technology into farming value chains, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. For more information, visit: https://www.ukri.org/news/first-projects-from-ukris-new-interdisciplinary-scheme-announced/.

BeefTwin is a prestigious initiative funded under the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Cross Research Council Responsive Mode (CRCRM) Pilot Scheme, designed to support innovative and interdisciplinary ideas from the research community.

The successful candidate will join a highly interdisciplinary and accomplished team, contributing to cutting-edge research in computer vision for animal behavior monitoring and AI-driven modeling.

More details about the project can be found here: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2024/10/ai-powered-project-aims-to-transform-uk-beef-farming.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced models for vision-based analysis of animal behavior
• Assist in the development of an AI-enabled digital twin decision-making mode
• Collaborate with researchers in areas like supply chain management and data science
• Publish research findings in top journals and present at conferences
• Engage with stakeholders, contribute to project reports, and assist with research proposals
• Mentor colleagues and supervise postgraduate students
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• A PhD in Computer Science or Electronics Engineering (application form)
• Expertise in the Computer Vision, Machine Learning and AI (application form and interview)
• Proven experience of undertaking original research, with a track record of first author in high quality journals and top-tier conferences (application form)
• Highly proficient in computer programming languages, for example Python (interview)
• Strong self-motivation and the ability to handle complex problems requiring advanced knowledge (interview)
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, to meet deadlines, and to report on project progress (interview)
• High level analytical capability (application form and interview)
• Good communication capability (interview)

Further Information

Grade: 7

Duration: Fixed-term until 31 December 2026

Line manager: Chair in Computer Science

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Professor Jungong Han: on jungong.han@sheffield.ac.uk

Dr Steve Maddock: on s.maddock@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 12 February 2025. This will consist of Interview and Presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 3rd  February. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact jungong.han@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
 

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways / Professional Services Shared Skills Framework / Technical Career Route
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.