At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop software for innovative EEG headsets and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham's Healthcare Technologies Institute, a leader in medical device innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference in healthcare.
- Other info: Dynamic research environment with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of technology that transforms neurological diagnosis and patient care.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant engineering or computer science fields; experience in embedded software development.
The predicted salary is between 36636 - 46049 £ per year.
The Healthcare Technologies Institute at the University of Birmingham is seeking to appoint a Research Fellow in Medical Device Software Engineering to support the development of an affordable, user‑centred EEG headset for community‑based diagnosis and management of suspected seizures. This role is part of a large multidisciplinary research programme focused on developing affordable community‑based EEG technologies for neurological diagnosis and monitoring. The project involves collaboration between the University of Birmingham, the University of Plymouth, the University of Lancashire, NHS partners, industry collaborators, and patient and public contributors. It combines expertise in engineering, neuroscience, mathematics, medicine, digital biomarkers, and user‑centred healthcare innovation to develop wearable EEG systems suitable for use in home and primary care settings.
Role Summary
The post holder will undertake software development and system integration activities for wearable EEG technologies and associated digital health infrastructure. Focus areas include embedded firmware, Bluetooth communication, mobile application development, secure data transfer, and integration with cloud‑based systems for physiological data collection and analysis. The Research Fellow will support development processes aligned with medical device quality and regulatory requirements and will contribute to documentation for future UKCA approval pathways.
Main Duties
- Develop embedded firmware for wearable EEG hardware systems and associated data acquisition units.
- Develop software interfaces and communication protocols for wireless EEG data transmission using Bluetooth Low Energy and related technologies.
- Design and implement APIs and backend interfaces for secure data collection and transfer.
- Contribute to the development of mobile applications for EEG device configuration, operation, and user interaction.
- Support integration of embedded systems, mobile applications, and cloud infrastructure.
- Develop software tools for device testing, validation, and performance evaluation.
- Contribute to cybersecurity, secure data handling, and system reliability considerations for connected medical technologies.
- Work closely with hardware engineers to support system integration and optimisation.
- Support development of software documentation, verification records, and technical documentation aligned with medical device development processes.
- Contribute to usability testing and iterative development informed by stakeholder and patient feedback.
- Analyse and interpret technical and experimental data related to system performance and data quality.
- Apply knowledge in a way that develops new intellectual understanding.
- Disseminate research outputs through technical reports, conference presentations, and academic publications.
- Contribute to research grant applications and future translational activities.
- Support supervision of students and provide guidance to junior researchers where appropriate.
- Undertake research‑related management and administration activities.
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion and contribute to an inclusive working environment.
Person Specification
Essential
- First degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
- A higher degree relevant to the research area, or equivalent professional experience.
- Experience in embedded software or firmware development.
- Experience in software development using languages such as C, C++, Python, Kotlin, Swift, or similar.
- Experience with wireless communication protocols including Bluetooth Low Energy.
- Ability to develop and debug integrated hardware and software systems.
- Ability to analyse and interpret technical data.
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly to multidisciplinary audiences.
- Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams.
- Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills.
Desirable
- Experience in development of medical device software or connected healthcare technologies.
- Experience with physiological sensing systems or wearable technologies.
- Experience with cloud infrastructure, APIs, and secure healthcare data systems.
- Knowledge of software lifecycle processes for regulated medical devices.
- Familiarity with standards and regulatory frameworks such as IEC 62304, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, GDPR, or UKCA requirements.
Research Fellow - School of Chemical Engineering - 107526 - Grade 7 in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham offers an exceptional work environment for the Research Fellow role in the School of Chemical Engineering, where innovation meets collaboration. With a focus on developing cutting-edge medical technologies, employees benefit from a supportive culture that promotes professional growth through interdisciplinary teamwork and access to state-of-the-art resources. Located in the vibrant Edgbaston area, staff enjoy a dynamic academic atmosphere alongside opportunities for meaningful contributions to healthcare advancements.
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We think this is how you could land Research Fellow - School of Chemical Engineering - 107526 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
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Some tips for your application 🫡
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