Research Assistant in AI/IOT to develop Connected Low-cost Diagnostic Devices

Job Purpose

The aim of this project is to develop innovations to improve the healthcare pathways of individuals in low-resource under-served rural communities using digital medicine and mobile diagnostics, in Sub-Saharan Africa. The post is part of Digital Innovations and Diagnostics for Infectious Diseases in Africa project (DIDIDA), which brings together 14 partners, both academic and industrial, from eight countries: Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Italy.

The digital diagnostic platform will be portable, reliable and affordable and co-developed with stakeholders. The work at the University of Glasgow will be focused on combining artificial intelligence-based signal quantification and cloud-based data analytics with novel nucleic-acid based tests in a disposable cartridge enabling result read out on a lateral flow strip – for the integration within national surveillance systems. The work has the potential to enable better care for patients by providing a simple, cost-effective mobile autonomous diagnostic solution capable of diagnosing multiple diseases, including malaria, in a single session. It will also link these conditions to non-communicable diseases including hypertension or diabetes, drawing upon expertise in the use of digital wearables for monitoring co-morbidities.

The successful candidate will work with Professor Jon Cooper and Professor Julien Reboud at Glasgow. The group has developed new device designs to integrate all the steps required for carrying out a DNA assay onto a single, simple-to-use microfluidic platform that you will adapt to integrate into a mobile (eHealth) platform. You will join a vibrant, large multidisciplinary team of more than 50 researchers in the well-equipped Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre and work collaboratively with our academic and industry partners, including with 16 PhD students as part of DIDIDA across Africa.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co-Investigator:

1.    To develop and optimise a (cloud-based or edge computing) mobile platform, including control of the assay processing, results analysis and integration with remote data analytics platforms.

2.    To design and validate sample-to-answer devices, integrated with lateral flow readout, for performing, and analysing results from, multiplexed nucleic acid based tests and immunoassays, using methods appropriate for low-resource settings

3.    Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.

4.    Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

5.    Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

6.    Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

7.    Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

8.    Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/ group/ meetings/ seminars/ workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.

9.    Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

10.  Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

11.  Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

12.  Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.

13.  Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may be reasonably expected to perform.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential: 

A1 SCQF Level 11 (Honours degree) or equivalent in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline with specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of machine learning/AI and cloud-based computing/visualisation and its use in medical diagnostic systems as decision support tools.

A2 A knowledge and understanding of molecular assay optimisation and validation, and/or microfluidic techniques used to manipulate samples.

A3 Knowledge of specialist IT software (e.g. Matlab, LabView, Python) as appropriate.

A4 Knowledge of project-specific technical models, equipment or techniques.

Desirable: B1 An awarded PhD in healthcare data systems and visualisation platforms, which may include AI and/or IoT.

B2 A knowledge of molecular biology, microfluidics or lab-on-a-chip.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Develop or use prototype instrumentation platforms, software interfaces and perform image analysis and results visualisation on cloud-based platforms.

C2. Expertise in developing molecular biology assays or devices for sample processing using microfluidics, together with advanced results analysis and interpretation using machine learning/AI tools.

C3 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate. C4 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.

C5 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach. C6 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.

C7 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate. C8 Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.

C9 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcher. E2 Project or subject specific experience in molecular biology / lab-on-a-chip.

E3 Experience of scientific writing. E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

E5 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications

For informal enquiries or further information about the project, please contact Professor Jonathan Cooper, [email protected]

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £32,332 – £36,024 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hrs per week) with funding until 30th April 2026.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension – pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.