Research Assistant - Supply Chain Recommendation Systems

To be a highly productive, ambitious, and collaborative member of the Advanced Research and Engineering Centre (ARC) within Northern Ireland.

The Research Assistant will explore operable business processes over a complex network covering multiple data sources. Depending on the type of data, the complexity of the porting software, and the dependencies between the data, these data sources may have synchronous, asynchronous, or both characteristics. The business networks make decisions based on these inputs and are susceptible to error due to the data's multiple interconnections. As aresult of the associated complexities and interdependence of the data points, several risky decision-making factors are frequently overlooked when a model of operations is so intricate. The Research Assistant will expand the understanding of the current PwC Supply Chain landscape and generate valid methods to automate tasks such as bid-free procurement with more comprehensive and novel AI-assisted strategies along with the development of the proof of concepts.

The post is a critical role, and as such, successful applicants will have responsibilities in independent research, planning, outreach, and collaboration both internally and externally. You will need to engage with research topics and apply high standards to the research code and systems you develop. A selection process will determine the strongest candidate across the project who may be offered this role to work on PwC-sponsored research.

About the person:

• 2.1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Relevant experience to include:
  • Recent, relevant research experience in at least one of the following: risk assessment, AI-modelling, procurement and supply chains.
  • Experience developing recommendation systems.
  • Demonstrable experience of software development systems (preferably Python/Java/C#).
  • Experience working effectively as part of a research team in the development and promotion of the research theme.
• Strong software development skills and proven track record of developing proof of concepts.
• Sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

What we offer:

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more on our website.

If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application.