We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.
Are you an ambitious researcher software engineer looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in developing software solutions? Do you want to play a leading role in developing an AI platform to valorise agri-food waste-streams and improve protein security?
We are looking for a Research Software Engineer to join our international and interdisciplinary team developing an open-source AI platform for protein production from agri-food waste-streams. We have recently been awarded £2M from the Bezos Earth Fund as part of their AI for Nature and Climate Grand Challenge to develop this platform.
Nearly 29% of the world’s population faces food insecurity, yet millions of tonnes of nutrient-rich agri-food waste is generated globally each day. This waste can be upcycled into sustainable, high-quality microbial protein (e.g. yeast, fungi, bacteria and algae) via fermentation for use as ingredients in existing foods or to produce novel meat and dairy alternatives. However, microbial fermentation processes are difficult to design, optimise and scale up, especially for complex, and highly variable waste streams. This limits their investment attractiveness and economic viability, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and ultimately their global adoption.
The University of Leeds in collaboration with the Commonwealth Science and Innovation Research Organisation (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australian Government - CSIRO) in Australia will develop the world’s first open-access AI platform to address these challenges by streamlining the development of microbial protein production processes. Leveraging advances in modern AI, the platform will consist of a Waste to Protein AI Engine coupled with an adaptive user interface enabling users to input their waste composition, volume, and location and immediately receive actionable insights, such as optimised fermentation parameters, microbial strain recommendations, projected protein yields and economic returns. Our AI platform will also provide users with an R&D roadmap that recommends critical trials to perform during process development and scale-up to reduce experimentation needs and provide partnership recommendations for areas where they lack expertise, facilities or market access.
You will also have excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical software concepts to non-technical stakeholders (e.g., food producers and policymakers) with a proven ability to work closely with a small group of researchers and collaborate within a wider, multidisciplinary and international team.
Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent.
What we offer in return
* 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
* Generous pension scheme plus life assurance – The University contributes 14.5% of salary.
* Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
* Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
* Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
And much more!
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