DepartmentThe Business and Local Government Data Research Centre (BLG DRC) is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to undertake fundamental and applied research in Social Sciences and advanced Data Science and Artificial Intelligence techniques with applications in Social Sciences research. The Centre (http://www.blgdataresearch.org) works together with businesses, public sector organisations and other stakeholders to enable them to use data more effectively. BLG DRC has been awarded subsequent funding for 3 years. The Centre will be based at the University of Essex involving academics and researchers from a range of academic departments and schools. Duties of the RoleBLG DRC seeks to appoint three full-time, fixed-term Research Fellows to undertake the fundamental and applied research in Data Science (DS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques under the work programme of the Centre and also support the delivery of the integrated outreach and engagement programme. The three Research Fellows will also provide expertise and support the other areas of work of the Centre using DS and AI techniques in supporting vulnerable people (such as in mental health and preventative public services models), and understanding factors affecting economic growth (predictive models and complex systems). The duties of the post include: to undertake Foundational and Applied Research and high quality independent and collaborative research within the scope of the BLG DRC.The duties also include: to contribute to Public Engagement & Impact, Contribute to the Integrated Outreach Programme, Develop Interdisciplinary Collaborations in BLG DRC. For appointment at Grade 9 the duties of the post will include undertaking high-quality independent research and publishing research work which is eligible for submission to the Research Excellence Framework (REF).Skills and qualifications requiredThe successful candidates will have relevant research experience and publications and for appointment at Grade 9 publications would meet the criteria for submission to the Research Excellence Framework.Applicants are also required to have a PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, Computer Engineering, (Social) Data Science, Computational Social Science or related discipline (essential for grade 9 appointment) or should be close to the completion of a PhD, writing up or under examination, or have significant industrial experience (for Grade 8 appointments). Applicants should also have experience in programming in high level languages such Java, Python or R and experience of successfully delivering teaching/training in data science and artificial intelligence related topics or demonstrable potential for achieving this. Appointment at grade 8 will be made as ASR Senior Research Officer. Appointment at grade 9 will be made as ASR Research Fellow.At the University of Essex internationalism is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally-oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries and a university where you can find the world in one place.Please see the further detail link below for a full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please telephone the Resourcing Team (01206 876559).*Further detail: Research Fellow jobpack*More information: Working at the University