Artificial Intelligence Specialist for Autonomous Systems – KTP Associate

Job title: Artificial Intelligence Specialist for Autonomous Systems – KTP Associate

This Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project aims to develop an advanced, decentralised software platform to optimise Aurrigo’s fleet management for airport baggage/cargo-handling autonomous vehicles. The project will transition operations from human-controlled systems to an autonomous command-and-control structure.

By integrating cutting-edge multi-agent systems, federated learning, and game theory, this project will develop sophisticated decentralised algorithms that enable autonomous vehicles (AVs) to intelligently delegate tasks, plan activities, and coordinate actions with minimal message passing. The outcome will be a more efficient, resilient, and scalable AV system, reducing human intervention and improving operational efficiency.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of AI and autonomous systems, bridging academia and industry to create real-world impact.

Candidate Profile: PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), or closely rated field. 

Essential skills/ experience required include:

Strong Understanding of machine learning algorithms, including deep and federation learning, particularly their application in autonomous systems.Expertise in multi-agent systems and decentralised coordination.Experience with simulation techniques for complex systems.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct high-quality independent research.Project management skills, including familiarity with Agile methodologies and tools.Strong coding ability, with experience in relevant programming languages (e.g. Python, C++, or MATLAB).

Desirable:

Industrial experience in autonomous vehicle systems or similar technological environments.Experience with Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes (POMDPs) and their decentralised applications.Familiarity with Game Theory principles, particularly in competitive scenarios.Knowledge of Federated Learning and its implementation in distributed systems.

Main responsibilities: 

Research, develop, and optimise machine learning algorithms, including deep learning, for AV control and coordination.Apply multi-agent systems to enhance decision-making and task delegation.Integrate and test algorithms within Aurrigo’s software and control systems.Conduct evaluation through simulation and real-world testing.Contribute to dissemination, reporting, and collaboration with industry and academic partners.Support project management and adapt to evolving priorities.

 

Personal attributes:

Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills. Leadership qualities, resilience, autonomy in organisation, and time management skills to deliver the KTP project and ensure it achieves planned milestones and objectives.  Ability to work independently and use initiative.

 

Additional Benefits and support:

Up to £6,000 for personal and professional development for the duration of the projectAnnual leave (25 days p/a)Professional support and mentorshipMental Health and wellbeing support: https://www.aston.ac.uk/staff-public/hr/Benefits-and-Rewards/health-wellbeing 

 

Career prospects: 

60% of our KTP associates are being offered employment by the companies at the end of the KTP.

 

This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Aurrigo International Plc and Innovate UK. It is essential you understand how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you secure this position. To learn more please visit: www.aston.ac.uk/ktp

 

The Company: Aurrigo is a leading international provider of transport technology solutions, designing and developing both vehicles and autonomous control systems in-house for perfect pairing of hardware and software. https://aurrigo.com/ 

 

Aston University: You will work in a project team with Dr Farzaneh Farhadi, Dr Maria Chli, and Prof Maia Angelova from Aston University and the Senior Management Team at Aurrigo with the support of the IUK’s Knowledge Transfer Adviser.  

Location: You will be based at Aurrigo in Coventry (CV3 1JL) but will have access to facilities at Aston University in central Birmingham. Some travel to Birmingham and key clients may also be required. 

For informal enquiries about this role please contact Dr Farzaneh Farhadi, e-mail: f.farhadi@aston.ac.uk 

If you think this isn’t the right opportunity for you, please explore other KTP vacancies across the country: https://www.ktp-uk.org/jobs/ 

Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter http://www.ecu.ac.uk/equality-charter-marks/athena-swan . We pride ourselves on our vibrant, friendly, supportive working environment and collaborative atmosphere.

Please visit our website https://jobs.aston.ac.uk/Vacancies.aspx for further information and to apply online.  

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

The salary being offered for this role is below the minimum threshold for required to sponsor new applicants to the Skilled Worker route. However, Aston University may be able to sponsor the successful candidate if they:

Are under 26 years oldHold a PhD that is relevant to the roleHave held a Student or Graduate visa in the last 2 yearsAre already in the UK with a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa issued before April 4th 2024

Please contact hr_immigration@aston.ac.uk if you would like to discuss your eligibility for Skilled Worker sponsorship.

 

Closing Date: 31 Mar 2025

Unit: Teaching & Research

Salary: £40,000 per annum