Safe Autonomous Systems - Senior Research Fellow

University of York - Centre for Assuring Autonomy, Computer Science

Role Description

This role will give you the opportunity to take a leading role in achieving the safe and responsible uptake of AI and Autonomous Systems (AI/AS) in application domains including automotive, healthcare, maritime and rail. You will be part of the Centre for Assuring Autonomy (CfAA) that pioneered approaches to assuring AI and autonomous systems.

Role

This role offers the opportunity to both accelerate the adoption of these core ideas and to further advance them. Building on our Guidance on the Safety Assurance of Autonomous Systems in Complex Environments (SACE), you will conduct and co-lead research using a whole-systems approach to the design, analysis, and assurance of AI/AS from engineering and sociotechnical viewpoints. A key focus area will be safety cases for AI/AS, specifically how they are developed and reviewed throughout their lifecycle. You will also have the opportunity to engage with PhD students from the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Safe Artificial Intelligence Systems (SAINTS) through joint research projects, training activities and co-supervision.

We are seeking experienced researchers who can demonstrate the capacity to push the boundaries of safety science for AI/AS, rather than simply applying existing techniques. AI/AS, rather than simply applying existing techniques.

This is a fixed-term contract for up to 36 months.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology, Safety Science or cognate discipline, or equivalent experience
• Well-established national and international reputation in area of research
• Knowledge of safety science and system safety, with evidence of leading high-quality research
• Knowledge of AI and autonomous systems, specifically their design and/or use within safety-critical environments
• Evidence of advancing safety analysis and assurance techniques
• Awareness of the funding streams available and the current agenda around research funding
• Ability to lead research projects and teams which may be drawn from several disciplines and located in several geographical regions or countries
• Leadership qualities
• Collaborative ethos

Interview date: to be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Professor Ibrahim Habli on Ibrahim.Habli@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We also encourage applications from women for senior roles.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork