Researcher for NAS in Automotive Data

Salary: £35, £35, per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 02 December 2025

The Role

Are you interested in applying cutting-edge Deep Learning techniques to real-world problems? The Scalable computing group are focused on applying Machine Learning/AI and visualisation to real-world problems – highlighted by the fact that the National Innovation Centre for Data is a spin-out from the group.

Further details about the group can be found here. We have secured funding through the EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account to work with the company ORI.AI for an exciting project to optimise their Deep Learning pipeline using Neural Architechture Search (NAS) approaches. ORI.AI monitors the effectiveness of self-driving cars by collecting data about how these cars perform. However, at present their data pipeline is overburdened taking too much computational time and requiring the use of expensive cloud resources. In this project we will use NAS approaches to reduce the computational burden and allow them to run on devices within the car(s).

The project will focus on five main tasks: 1) Data Collection, 2) Profiling hardware for use, 3) Developing NAS solutions for classification tasks, 4) Developing NAS solutions for bounding box problems, 5) Developing an impact case study. We are seeking a passionate, highly motivated individual who is consistently methodical in their approach to research and adept at problem solving.

We are looking for someone who is naturally collaborative and focussed on producing high-quality research outputs as part of a diverse and interdisciplinary team. You should have excellent interpersonal skills, with a talent for building professional working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You may be required to design, create and present group research findings to external stakeholders, we are therefore looking for an individual who is innovative and possesses excellent communication skills. 

The position is available on a full time, fixed term basis, to start immediately until 15th September 2026.

To apply for this role please provide evidence of how you meet the essential criteria required for the role outlined in 'The Person' by uploading a letter of application along with your Curriculum Vitae (CV).

For any informal enquiries please contact Dr Stephen McGough ), Reader in Machine Learnining.

Key Accountabilities

Leading machine learning research activities within the projectPlaying a leading role in dissemination of machine learning research and impact activities for the project, including publications to first tier conferences and leading journalsWorking with ORI.AI to develop an understanding of the core datasets available and how this can be transformed into knowledgeContributing to system development for the final projectLeading and contributing to new machine learning project funding applicationsContributing to the coordination of the School of Computing, its research groups relevant to this project

The Person (Essential)

Expertise in Neural Architecture Search for Deep Learning EssentialStrong machine learning delivery skillsStrong software development skillsDemonstrable project management skillsExcellent written and oral communication skills

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

Strong machine learning experience and proficiency in the state of the art data science languages (e.g., python, R)Experience in developing for embedded devices (desirable)Experience in working in highly interdisciplinary environmentsTrack record of delivering systems of machine learning for real-world applicationsSignificant experience of project management and team leadershipInternationally recognized expert in machine learning and its applications (indicated through outstanding track record), with particular expertise in Deep Learning and Neural Architecture SearchInternational outstanding research and/or practice outputs in machine learning and its application

Attributes and Behaviour

Demonstrated ability to engage with non-academic stakeholders at a local and international levelAbility to use personal initiative and creativity to solve problemsTeam working and time management skillsAbility and flexibility to work individually and as part of an interdisciplinary research teamAbility to carry out an innovative and flexible approach to interdisciplinary researchWillingness and ability to attend in-person meetings as required for the success of the project and a readiness to work flexibly by mutual arrangement

Qualifications

PhD awarded (or nearing completion for appointment at Assistant level) in Deep LearningEvidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) (Desirable)

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 28856

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