Research Associate

Research Associate

Full-Time 34000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as a Research Associate to explore cutting-edge analytics on emerging hardware.
  • Company: Be part of the University of Edinburgh, a world-leading research institution.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working options, and comprehensive staff benefits.
  • Why this job: Contribute to impactful projects in a vibrant, diverse community focused on innovation.
  • Qualifications: PhD (or nearing completion) in Computer Science or related field required.
  • Other info: Open to part-time and hybrid working arrangements.

The predicted salary is between 34000 - 42000 £ per year.

Grade UE07: £41,064- £48,822

College of Science & Engineering, School of Informatics

Full Time: 35 hours per week

Fixed Term: 24 months

The Opportunity

The School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh invites applications for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in SLAM and large-scale graph optimisation.

We are pleased to announce multiple funded positions in the areas of SLAM, large-scale graph optimisation, and multi-modal robotic perception at School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, UK. These positions are part of a new research programme led by Dr Liang Zhao focusing on next‑generation estimation and optimisation techniques for large-scale graph optimisation problems and intelligent robotic perception.

This post is advertised as full‑time (35 hours per week), fixed term until 31st December 2027. The team currently operates a 100%, i.e. 5 days, on‑campus working arrangement which has been agreed by the line manager.

The salary for this post is £41,064 to £48,822 per annum.

Your skills and attributes for success:

  • PhD in Robotics, Computer Science or Mathematics
  • A strong background in robotics, computer vision, optimisation, or applied mathematics
  • Excellent programming skills in C++ and/or Python and ROS
  • Experience in delivering research results in an academic context; e.g. at top robotics conferences and journals
  • Demonstrated capability to plan, prioritise, and deliver technical milestones within agreed project schedules.

Click to view a copy of the full job description (opens new browser tab)

Application Information

Please ensure you include the following documents in your application:

  • CV
  • Cover letter

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

  • A competitive salary
  • An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
  • To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
  • Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family‑friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 19th January 2026.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interview dates to be confirmed.

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Research Associate employer: The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of Informatics. With a commitment to employee growth through comprehensive professional development opportunities and a supportive environment, staff can thrive while contributing to groundbreaking research in a world-class institution located in the heart of Scotland's capital. Enjoy competitive salaries, generous benefits, and the chance to be part of a diverse international community dedicated to addressing tomorrow's challenges.
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Contact Detail:

The University of Edinburgh Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Associate

✨Tip Number 1

Network with current or former employees of the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with recent publications and projects from the School of Informatics, especially those related to large-scale analytics and CXL technology. This knowledge will allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail, particularly any work related to performance characterisation or workload tuning. Be ready to explain how your skills align with the specific requirements of the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Consider reaching out to the listed contacts, Prof. Boris Grot and Dr Luo Mai, with thoughtful questions about the role or the project. This shows initiative and can help you stand out as a proactive candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate

PhD in Computer Science or related field
Strong research track record with publications in top-tier conferences and journals
Experience in hardware benchmarking
Performance characterization skills
Workload tuning and bottleneck identification
Knowledge of databases and analytics software
Familiarity with operating systems
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Detail-oriented with a high level of initiative
Ability to work effectively in a team setting
Experience in research student supervision
Grant writing experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise your PhD work, publications, and any specific projects related to large-scale analytics or hardware performance.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position and the research area. Discuss how your background and research track record make you a suitable candidate for this role, and mention any specific experiences that relate to CXL-based memory or performance optimisation.

Highlight Teamwork and Initiative: Since the role requires working in a team setting, be sure to include examples of past collaborative projects. Showcase your initiative and commitment to excellence by mentioning any leadership roles or significant contributions you've made in previous research settings.

Proofread and Format: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your CV and cover letter are well-formatted and easy to read, as this reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh

✨Showcase Your Research Experience

Make sure to highlight your research track record during the interview. Discuss your publications and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those related to performance characterization or workload tuning.

✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge

Be prepared to discuss specific technologies and methodologies relevant to the role, such as CXL-based disaggregated memory. Familiarise yourself with current trends in large-scale analytics and be ready to share your insights.

✨Communicate Clearly

Since the role requires clear communication of complex information, practice explaining your research and technical concepts in a straightforward manner. This will help you convey your ideas effectively during the interview.

✨Prepare Questions

Have thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers about the project and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

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