Research Fellow DA) reference: 3308326DA

Embark on a groundbreaking research journey as a Senior Research Fellow within the prestigious £1m EPSRC-funded 'AiTASHA' project. This exciting opportunity is dedicated to the development of human-centred AI methodologies designed to significantly enhance intelligence analysis for national security and defence.

The AiTASHA project is at the forefront of innovation, aiming to empower intelligence analysts with advanced AI tools that work collaboratively with human expertise. In an era of increasingly vast, complex, and uncertain datasets, intelligence analysts face immense pressure to deliver rapid, high-consequence assessments. This role directly addresses the urgent need for AI that not only identifies patterns but also deeply considers human understanding, context, and the representation of uncertainty. Your work will contribute to creating an explainable, defensible AI system that complements, rather than replaces, human analysts, guiding them in prioritising data for review and acquisition.

Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Pioneering Research: Engage in internationally-leading research at the intersection of human factors and intelligence analysis. You will pioneer novel methods for knowledge elicitation from expert analysts, developing sophisticated machine learning models and dynamic Bayesian networks to manage uncertainty.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Become an integral part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary consortium, including the University of Southampton, the Alan Turing Institute, and the Universities of Warwick, Cardiff, and Dundee. You will collaborate closely with leading experts in statistical/graphical modelling and AI ethics, fostering a rich learning environment.
• Real-World Impact: Contribute directly to enhancing national security and defence by working with UK government partners. This project offers a unique chance to see your research translate into tangible, high-impact applications.
• Mentorship and Growth: Join a tight-knit cohort of Early Career Researchers across the AiTASHA consortium, providing opportunities for peer learning and professional development.
• Career Advancement: This role offers a substantial platform to build your reputation in a highly sought-after field, with the potential to lead to future opportunities in academia or advanced industry research.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Expertise Required: The role demands significant experience in human factors research and its application to complex analysis domains. Proficiency in developing and applying methods for knowledge elicitation and understanding mental models in machine learning is crucial.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with dynamic Bayesian networks, distributed situation awareness models, ecological interface design techniques, and human-AI teaming is essential. You should also be conversant in statistical/graphical modelling and AI ethics.
• Security Clearance: A fundamental requirement for this role is the ability and willingness to undergo a Security Check (SC) clearance. This necessitates being a UK National or having resided in the UK for five years or more.
• Contractual Details: This is a full-time, fixed-term position running until March 29, 2028, with a competitive salary range of £36,636 to £44,746 per annum.
• Application Process: Applicants are required to submit a CV and a Cover Letter, explicitly confirming their current and former nationalities and their residency status in the UK for the past five years.

This Senior Research Fellow position offers an exceptional opportunity for a motivated individual to make a significant contribution to a critical area of research, supported by a well-funded, collaborative, and impactful project.