Senior Researcher in AI Technology and Ultrasound Video Analysis

University of Derby -
Derby

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Job details

Full-time | Fixed term contract
£46,049 - £56,535 a year
2 hours ago

Benefits

Cycle to work scheme
On-site gym
Annual leave
Company pension
Employee assistance programme
Employee discount
Sick pay

Qualifications

TensorFlow
Doctoral degree
Computer Science
PyTorch
Computer vision
Engineering
Research
Digitisation
Analysis skills
Bachelor's degree
Machine learning modelling
Partnership building
Deep learning
Mentoring
Keras
Networking
Medical imaging
AI
Teaching
Analytics

Full job description

Job details

Responsible to

Associate Professor in Data Science

Location

Markeaton Street, Derby Campus

Closing date

Sunday 13 September 2026

Salary

£46,049 to £56,535 per annum

Job grade

Senior Researcher

Reference

0174-26

Contract type

Fixed term contract until 30/06/2027

Post type

Full-time

Adaptive working type

Onsite
This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location.

About the University

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

Here at the University of Derby, the College of Science and Engineering is the home of STEM: the skills that are essential to the UK’s Industrial Strategy. From digitisation to decarbonisation, we have an important role to play in shaping the future. And by researching or collaborating with us, you can too.

The College brings together a powerful combination of scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice. With disciplines spanning computing, AI, data science, engineering, environmental sciences, built environments and psychology - we are uniquely positioned to solve real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Our courses are designed with employability and future industry needs in mind, supported by cutting-edge facilities, strong employer partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. Through applied research and hands-on learning, we equip students and staff to drive progress in areas that matter most; from smart technology to clean energy, advanced manufacturing to immersive design.

School of Computing

This is an exciting time in Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at the University of Derby. Building on recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) success, our school has ambitions to become leaders in these areas. In the last ten years, we’ve invested heavily in our facilities, including a £13m STEM centre. We aspire to be at the forefront of teaching and research around topics such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and complex networks. Our Data Science Research Centre will play a key role in this.

Our engagement with global industries based in the Derby region, for example through our East Midlands Institute of Technology, helps ensure that our research and teaching are at the forefront of emerging industry needs and opportunities. Our links with companies in our region including Bloc Digital, Rolls-Royce and Alstom, also mean our students benefit from placement years and live briefs.

Data Science Research Centre

The Data Science Research Centre (DSRC) is based in the University’s STEM Centre at Markeaton Street. It features high-performance computing facilities and a state-of-the-art Data Visualisation Laboratory. The centre aims to play a leading role in the region and nationally in research and development, teaching and training.

The Data Science Research Centre evolves around all aspects of data and is composed of four interconnected clusters. We work closely with our partners in the industry in areas that include rail, manufacturing, biomedical and the environment. Our aims are:

To communicate the value data science can bring to organisational decisions through seminars, newsletters and international events such as conferences and workshops to local, national and international organisations and communities
To build strong relationships with industry, government and local communities to develop data science research and development
To develop impactful research that can improve businesses, the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities and decision making
To champion high-quality education and training opportunities for undergraduate, postgraduate and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes to support local and national industries, organisations and communities

About the role

We are seeking to appoint a Senior Researcher to contribute to the development of AI models for ultrasound video analysis and thrombus prediction as part of the Horizon Europe ThrombUS+ project.

ThrombUS+ is developing a wearable, point-of-care system for continuous monitoring, risk estimation, and prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis. The University of Derby’s role focuses on AI model development for automated analysis of ultrasound data, including ultrasound image/video segmentation, vascular structure detection, vein compressibility analysis, and thrombus/DVT prediction.

In this role, you will work with the project team to design, implement, evaluate, and document AI models that can support automated DVT detection and clinical decision support using ultrasound video and related biomedical data.

This is a fixed term contract until 30th June 2027.

Anticipated interview date: Thursday 1st October 2026

About You

We are looking for a motivated researcher with strong skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision, with the ability to apply these methods to ultrasound image/video analysis and biomedical data. You should have a PhD, or be close to completing a PhD, in Computer Science, AI, Data Science, Medical Imaging, Biomedical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

You will need strong Python programming skills and experience with at least one major deep learning framework such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, MONAI, or similar. Experience in image analysis, video analysis, medical imaging, biomedical data analysis, model training, validation, testing, and performance evaluation is essential.

The non-negotiable requirements are strong machine learning/deep learning knowledge, good Python programming ability, experience in AI-based image/video or biomedical data analysis, and the ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary research team. Experience in two or more of ultrasound analysis, medical image segmentation, detection, tracking, thrombus/DVT research, explainable AI, or real-time/edge AI deployment would be highly beneficial.

Principal accountabilities

Research/Scholarship

Lead programmes of research that align with the Research Centre / Units of Assessment or College strategy by developing proposals that will make a significant and sustained impact to knowledge and understanding, as well as delivering research outcomes that contribute to the REF / TEF / KEF.

Generate income by leading successful funding bids that develop and sustain research support for the specialist area resulting in a sustained and highly respected national and international reputation in the discipline.

Publish research findings through leading peer reviewed national and international publications and conferences.

Disseminate research outputs by engaging with the public through the internet, the media or other appropriate formats.

Referee and peer review articles for academic journals and grant applications by research councils and other major funding bodies.

Lead on sustained and impactful activity in knowledge transfer and business engagement that benefits the Research Centre or College and contributes to significant policy development at national and international level, and / or develops industrial links, networks and initiatives.

Take a leading role in project managing research activities, including supervising other research staff.

Teaching/Learning

Supervise undergraduate projects and postgraduate research students, and provide training and teaching as appropriate.

Contribute to appropriate teaching and learning programmes so that research informs and inspires a research led curriculum and teaching.

Leadership/Management

Act as an academic leader of the College or Research Centre, including leading project teams as appropriate, in order to ensure the delivery of high quality research, knowledge transfer and teaching and learning.

Coach and mentor peers and colleagues in order to develop their research techniques, chair committees at Research Centre and College level where required and play a leading role in developing external networks.

Undertake appropriate training and staff development.

Other

Provide pastoral care to research colleagues as appropriate, referring staff to further help if required.

Actively seek out and develop opportunities for interdisciplinary research both across the University and externally.

Influence leading edge practice and seek to maximise income generation by building on, and developing, external networks with organisations such as funding and professional bodies, employers and other educational and research institutions.

Contribute to the management of quality, audit and external assessments.

Understand own development needs and formulate a personal development plan.

Observe and implement University policies and procedures.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

Good Honours Degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Medical Imaging, Biomedical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a closely related discipline
PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline (or close to completion)
Subject-specific qualifications / knowledge in data processing, deep learning, computer vision, medical imaging, biomedical data analysis, or a closely related area

Experience

An appropriate level of digital capability with practical experience of AI, machine learning, computer vision, medical imaging, or biomedical data applications
Proven experience of developing, training, evaluating, and interpreting machine learning or deep learning models
Experience with Python programming and at least one major AI/deep learning framework, such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, MONAI, or similar
Experience in computer vision, image analysis, video analysis, medical imaging, or biomedical data analysis
Evidence of sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge in AI, data science, medical imaging, or biomedical AI to contribute to research programmes and methodologies
Evidence of engagement in high-quality research activity, including peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, technical reports, project outputs, or research prototypes
Experience of designing experiments, managing research tasks, analysing results, and reporting research findings
Experience of working with image, video, clinical, biomedical, or multimodal data
Ability to contribute to research in generative AI, explainable AI, trustworthy AI, or AI-enabled clinical decision support

Skills, knowledge & abilities

Strong Python programming skills
Proven research skills, with the ability to design, conduct, and manage original research in AI, computer vision, medical imaging, or biomedical AI
Strong knowledge of machine learning and deep learning methods
Ability to develop AI models for ultrasound image and video analysis, including segmentation, detection, tracking, and classification tasks
Ability to contribute to automated analysis of vascular structures, vein compressibility, thrombus prediction, and DVT-related risk assessment
Ability to support data preparation, annotation strategy, model training, validation, testing, and performance analysis
Ability to evaluate AI model performance using appropriate technical and clinical metrics, such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, Dice score, IoU, AUC, F1-score, robustness, and inference speed
Proven ability to exercise innovation and creative problem-solving in a research context
Ability to communicate complex technical and research information clearly in writing, presentations, project reports, and academic publications
Analytical ability to support conceptual thinking, innovation, and creativity
Strong ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues, clinical partners, engineering partners, industry partners, and international consortium members
Good understanding of research ethics, data protection, confidentiality, reproducibility, research governance procedures, and good research practice
Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team

Business requirements

Demonstrate competences, core behaviours, and supplementary behaviours that support and promote the University’s core values
Flexible to the needs of others
Committed to a high-performance culture, fostering continuous improvement and driving quality
Able to take a flexible approach to work, including:
- Travel between sites and occasionally overseas for project meetings, consortium activities, conferences, or partner engagement
- Some evening and occasional weekend work where required by project activity

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
Teacher’s Pension Scheme
Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
Discounted onsite gym
Cycle to Work scheme
A flexible working environment
A commitment to personal and professional development

Key contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Dr Harry Yu, Associate Professor in Data Science via [email protected]

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [email protected].

Important information

Visa Sponsorship Eligibility

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The University of Derby is committed to fostering an open, inclusive and diverse community where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We are committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex or sexual orientation.

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome requests for adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Applicants may choose their preferred title, including 'Mx', and may share preferred pronouns if they wish. We also use anonymised shortlisting to help reduce the potential impact of unconscious bias. For more information on equity, diversity and inclusion at the University of Derby, please visit our website.

We are also committed to promoting academic freedom and freedom of speech and expression within the law, in line with our Code of Practice, and value diversity of thought alongside diversity of backgrounds and experiences.

However you identify, we welcome applications from people whose experiences, perspectives and talents will contribute to our inclusive, supportive and intellectually vibrant community.

Environmental Sustainability

At the University of Derby, we are passionate about embedding sustainability into everything that we do. We aim to bring environmental sustainability into all aspects of the University, including teaching, research and operational activities. In line with the University's strategic framework, we expect all our staff to embed sustainability into their working practices and support the University's objective to reach net zero carbon by 2050.

Continue your career evolution with us, apply now at University of Derby.

How to apply

You can apply by submitting an online application. Once you have signed in or registered with us you will be able to begin your application. If you are creating an account for the first time, please ensure you provide an email address that you access regularly as this will be our main means of contacting you regarding your application.

The University reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you require any assistance, including the provision of any documentation in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment team at [email protected].

Please note all applications must be submitted online by Midnight GMT on the closing date of the vacancy.

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Job details

Research/Scholarship

Teaching/Learning

Leadership/Management

Other

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

Experience

Skills, knowledge & abilities

Business requirements

Visa Sponsorship Eligibility

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Environmental Sustainability

How to apply

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