Research Assistant or Research Associate

Grade UE06: £34,132 to £39,355 or UE07: £40,497 to £48,149 per annum, pro-rata if part time 

College of Science and Engineering / School of Informatics

Full-time: 35 hours per week 

Fixed term: to 31 October 2026

The School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh invites applications for two posts, which can be appointed at either Research Assistant or Research Associate levels, to contribute to cutting-edge research in machine learning for time series health and care data with opportunities for innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and career development.

The Opportunity:

The MoveR Laboratory at the University of Edinburgh (mover.ed.ac.uk) is a multidisciplinary research hub focused on improving movement, rehabilitation, and physical health across the life course. Combining expertise in engineering, informatics, medicine, and social science, MoveR develops low-cost, people-centred digital technologies that address real-world needs in health and care.

At its core is the MoveR Wearable, a bespoke, affordable sensor platform that captures rich movement, physiological, and behavioural data, supporting on-device machine learning and remote monitoring. The lab explores digital biomarkers and predictive analytics to support conditions such as Parkinson’s, stroke, cerebral palsy, and post-operative recovery. Research areas span biomechanical modelling, physical activity analysis, and digital phenotyping using edge computing.

MoveR collaborates extensively with industry, healthcare providers, and the public, translating research into products and services through partnerships and innovation funding. The team, led by Prof. Kia Nazarpour, includes researchers with expertise in AI, sensor systems, co-design, and translational health tech.

We are currently recruiting for two full-time positions at Grades UE06 (Research Assistant) or Grade UE07 (Research Associate) to join our team. These posts are full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

Your skills and attributes for success:

For the UE06 Research Assistant position:

• An MSc (or equivalent) in broad areas of informatics, engineering, physics, or other natural, biological, or medical sciences or equivalent work experience 
• Background in “time-series analysis and machine learning” or “Machine learning in electronic hardware including circuit design and fabrication”
• Strong programming skills, ideally including Python 
• Strong presentation skills 
• Proactive approach to building partnerships 
• Experience of writing proposals for funding/investment

For the UE07 Research Associate position:

• A PhD in broad areas of informatics, engineering, physics, or other natural, biological, or medical sciences or equivalent work experience 
• Background in “time-series analysis and machine learning” or “Machine learning in electronic hardware including circuit design and fabrication”
• Full understanding and experience of co-creation, co-design in digital health and care 
• Track record of innovative (beyond ordinary) research work in the higher education, health, care sectors, evidenced by publications, e.g. patents
• Strong presentation skills 
• Proactive approach to building strategic partnerships with stakeholders 
• Experience of writing proposals for funding/investment

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

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

 

Application Information 

 Please ensure you include the following documents in your application:

- CV

- Cover letter

 

Contact details for enquiries: Prof Kia Nazarpour Kianoush.nazarpour@ed.ac.uk 

 

Feedback is only provided to interviewed candidates.

 

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 (opens in a new tab) 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 (opens new browser tab)

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 21 July 2025.
 

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. 

 

As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.