Job Title: Research Associate in Data Science - AIM4Health Project
School: School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent
Salary: £29,636 - £35,352
Fixed term for 12 months, depending on start date, ending by the 29th February 2024 at the latest.
Closing Date: Wednesday 14 December 2022 @ 23:59
Reference Number: 016523

- ABOUT US -

We are a university with a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation and regional engagement, making a major contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of Northern Ireland.

Our core business activities are teaching and learning, widening access to education, research and innovation and technology and knowledge transfer.

- THE ROLE -

To conduct research in relation to data analytics including data integration, modelling and model evaluation with a focus on cognitive health in ageing.

Mental health disorders are a leading cause of disability and ill health, affecting an estimated 15% of older people worldwide. Depression, often accompanied by anxiety, affects an estimated 10% of the Irish population although it is often overlooked and undertreated in older people. Furthermore, mental health problems are not equally distributed across society, with individuals from a lower socioeconomic position being at the greatest risk of poor mental health. Mental health problems place a huge demand on health and social care services, so there is an urgent need to identify cost-effective strategies to promote mental health and wellbeing in older people. The proposed study plans to explore the influence of nutrition, lifestyle, genetic and socio-economic factors on mental health problems in older people. The research associate will use state-of-the-art scientist approaches, including Artificial Intelligence techniques to analyse data, to investigate risk factors contributing to depression and anxiety, and the dietary and lifestyle changes that should be implemented to help to improve mental health in older people.

- ABOUT YOU -

- Hold a PhD or (PhD soon to be completed) in an area of Computer Science, Mathematics or a related discipline.

- Have experience in data analytics and data integration software such as R, Matlab, Python, and Hadoop.

- Have completed Research outputs in an area of Computer Science, Mathematics or a related discipline.

- BENEFITS -

- Competitive salary.

- Generous annual leave entitlement promoting a healthy work/life balance - plus, an additional 15 days per year when the university is closed.

- Enrolment in USS pension scheme - employer contribution of 21.1%.

- An environment that supports flexible working and allows you to balance both work and home life.

- An open and inclusive environment that celebrates and welcomes diversity.

- Onsite and discounted sports/gym facilities (3 months free gym membership at either the Jordanstown, Coleraine, or Magee Campus).

- Cycle to Work Scheme.

- Exposure to the very latest in cutting edge technologies including Dell, Aruba, Checkpoint, and Avaya, feeding your passion for IT.

- Autonomy in your role to make impactful decisions and changes to company processes.

The School of Computing, Engineering & Intelligent Systems holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award in recognition of our commitment to advancing Gender equality. You can read more about what this means on our University website. The University has a range of initiatives to support a family friendly working environment, including flexible working.

To apply for the role of Research Associate, please apply via the button shown.

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities. Appointment will be made on merit.