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- Tasks: Join a pioneering research team to develop innovative Cyber Physical Systems using generative AI.
- Company: Edinburgh Napier University, a leading UK institution with a vibrant research community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, PhD tuition fees covered, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while gaining valuable research experience in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong background in Computer Science and knowledge of AI or human-computer interaction.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Organisation/Company Edinburgh Napier University Department School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment Research Field Computer science » Systems design Computer science » Autonomic computing Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 9 Nov 2025 – 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Apr 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe – MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101226624 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Edinburgh Napier University– Schools of Computing and Engineering & the Built Environment
Edinburgh Napier University is one of the largest higher education institutions in the UK with over 25,000 students from 109 countries. An innovative, learner centric university with a modern and fresh outlook, Edinburgh Napier is ambitious, inclusive in its ethos and applied in its approach.
The research in its School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment (SCEBE) is recognised as world leading or internationally excellent in UK’s REF. The latest UK national research assessment (REF 2021) places our computer science as third best in terms of research power in Scotland.We are a leading UK university with 100% of our assessed work from areas of computing achieving the highest rating (world-leading), a recognition achieved only by six other universities in the UK. SCEBE are dedicated to dealing with new digital challenges and opportunities as they arise, and helping organisations to look ahead and shape our digital future. SCEBE works across a spectrum of fields of computer technology including smart sensors & networks, Cyber Physical System, intelligence-driven software engineering, generative and bio-inspired AI, future interaction and cyber-security. It helps to explore not just the technology but how people interact with the technology and how it impacts on society. SCEBE works on projects with EU, UK’s research councils, international funders and clients across all industry sectors. SCEBE also have a vibrant PhD programme developing new research and new researchers\’ skills, and a number of CPD and Postdoc training programmes.
The school is based in the lively and exciting Merchiston area at theheart of Edinburgh, Scotland\’s inspiring capital. Further information about Edinburgh Napier University can be foundhere .
The Role
Applications are invited for a Doctoral Candidate (also known as Doctoral Fellow) in GREET (Generative Explainee-aware Explainability and Transparency in Proactive Cyber-Physical Eco- Environments) Doctoral Network, funded by Horizon Europe’s MSCA Programme. The candidate will work within the Research Group of Intelligence-Driven Software Engineering in the SCEBE school.
The GREET Doctoral Network offers an exciting opportunity for an early-career researcher to contribute to shaping a new generation of Cyber Physical Systems, which will support generative cognition, explainee-aware explainability, and transparent proactivity in the highly secured CPS eco-environments. Focused on the novel generative AI-driven CPS, GREET aims to deliver key insights into the science and models of the proposed CPS, set up its scientific foundation, and equip the DN’s recruited Doctoral Candidates with skills to drive the next innovative steps in this key area.
In partnership with 13 renowned institutions and industrial leaders across 9 countries, GREET will train 15 talented doctoral candidates (DCs) through an interdisciplinary co-design approach that integrates with ecosphere-driven, user studies, and agile methodologies. The proposed new CPS will drive an economic and societal paradigm shift towards a trustworthy proactive smart world, it will bring in future smart services with its built-in holistic cognitive and trustworthy learning ability, deployed in many vital societal and economic services, such as smart cities, manufacturing, healthcare, energy and transport.
The Doctoral Candidate will create the eco-cognition model and the eco-cognition generator based on LLM and Multimodal Models for real-time and multimodal cognition capture. Pattern recognition algorithms will be designed to understand the eco-cognition. Generative AI, model-driven architecture and feature model will be used. Further, the Doctoral Candidate will study and develop the typical cognition patterns for CPS agents based on cognition theory, and study and develop typical multimodal interaction design methods for eco-cognition in Cyber Physical Systems.
The Doctoral Candidate will be employed as a full-time Research Fellow by Edinburgh Napier University and meanwhile registered for PhD degree. Salary is very competitive, and the PhD tuition fees will be paid/exempted by the project.
What you can expect
Edinburgh Napier University is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Our gender pay gap is currently one of the lowest in the sector. We actively encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.
Who we are looking for
Applicants:
- must not have a doctoral degree on the date of their recruitment
- can be of any nationality
- should be enrolled in a doctoral programme during the project
- should comply with the mobility rules: in general, they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date
- A first degree (at least a 2:1) ideally in Computer Science with a good fundamental knowledge of at least one of the following areas human computer interaction, semantic modelling, software engineering, or AI.
- Experience of fundamental software design and development
- Competent in human computer interaction and digital media
- Knowledge of generative AI or cognition models
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
- Good time management
Benefits we offer
We offer support and recognition wherever due, as well as fantastic benefits such as aspiration with employer contributions of 17.6% – 26%, a minimum of 46 days holiday and annual pay reviews.
Additional Information
Informal enquiries about the role can be made to Professor Xiaodong Liu (x.liu@napier.ac.uk ). Applications for the role must be submitted via the Edinburgh Napier University job applications web site – emailed applications will not be accepted.
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MSCA Doctoral Fellow Studentship in Generative Eco-Cognition in Cyber Physical Systems: its mod[...] employer: Edinburgh Napier University
Contact Detail:
Edinburgh Napier University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land MSCA Doctoral Fellow Studentship in Generative Eco-Cognition in Cyber Physical Systems: its mod[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former students and staff at Edinburgh Napier University. They can give you the inside scoop on the application process and what it’s really like to work there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of generative AI and Cyber Physical Systems. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with the exciting projects at SCEBE.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential supervisors or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for research and innovation shine through. It can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there.
We think you need these skills to ace MSCA Doctoral Fellow Studentship in Generative Eco-Cognition in Cyber Physical Systems: its mod[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific requirements of the MSCA Doctoral Fellow position. We want to see how you fit into our vision at Edinburgh Napier University!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for generative AI and Cyber Physical Systems shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about the field and can convey that passion in their writing.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, all applications must be submitted via the Edinburgh Napier University job applications website. Don’t forget this step, as emailed applications won’t be accepted. We’re looking forward to seeing your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh Napier University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in generative AI and Cyber Physical Systems. Familiarise yourself with the specific projects and research areas at Edinburgh Napier University, especially those related to eco-cognition and multimodal interaction design.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for the role and the research field. Share any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your motivation and independent research skills. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely interested in contributing to the team.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask your interviewers. This could include inquiries about the GREET Doctoral Network, collaboration opportunities, or the specific methodologies used in their research. It shows you're engaged and have done your homework.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since good written and oral communication skills are essential for this role, practice explaining complex concepts clearly and concisely. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to get comfortable discussing your ideas and experiences.