Research Fellow in Autonomous Edge Learning FP-R2)

A cross-disciplinary team of researchers from the Universities of York, Cardiff, Manchester, Stirling, and Southampton are working together on an exciting EPSRC-funded project, Edgy Organism, to develop a novel end-to-end neuromorphic design approach based on spiking neural networks (SNNs). The project aims to develop novel computing solutions for the defence and security sector, that can autonomously and reliably detect illegal or harmful activities in crowded public spaces, with minimum intrusion of personal space and privacy, over long periods of time.

We are recruiting a team of outstanding researchers from Edge Computing, Detection and Estimation, AI/ML, and Neuromorphic Engineering, to work with us on achieving Edgy Organism project’s ambitious objectives.

You will be required to undergo security checks, to be carried out by the National Security Technology Innovation Exchange (NSTIx) (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/national-security-technology-and-innovation-exchange) before beginning in this role. We will require all candidates invited to interview to apply for NSTIx clearance.

In this role you will:

Design and test detection and estimation algorithms utilising artificial spiking neural networks, alongside autonomous learning approaches.Develop approaches to optimise the structure of a given artificial spiking neural network, to support their deployment onto state-of-the-art neuromorphic compute architectures.Collaborate with the neuroscience, engineering, and computer science RAs to develop demonstrator applications, and to conduct research, publish, and disseminate research through publications, seminars, conference presentations and public engagement.

The post will be full time until December 2026.

By applying, you are agreeing that we can share your information with project partners. In your application, please provide a CV and cover letter detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria on the Job Description & Person Specification.

*Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Mark Vousden(m.vousden@soton.ac.uk). You can find more information on the Edgy Organism project on the UKRI Gateway to Research Website, at 

Closing Date: 22 May 2025

Section: Education, Research & Enterprise

Salary: £36,130 to £44,128 per annum Full Time Fixed Term for 24 months