Details Specific to the Post

Job Description Job Title: PDRA / RA – Computer Science – Frontend Faculty/Department: The Logistics Institute Reporting to: The Director of the Logistics Institute Duration: Fixed term 30 months Job Family: Academic Pay Band: 6 Benchmark Profile: Research Band 6 DBS Disclosure requirement: No Vacancy Reference: AE0089

Background and Context

Founded in 2005, the Logistics Institute is a world-class centre of excellence in global logistics and supply chain management. With state of the art facilities and a truly international outlook, the Institute is a focal point for logistics related education and development needs, working with organisations of all sizes and types. It combines academic research expertise with proven commercial knowledge to deliver logistics degree programmes (BSc, MSc, MBA and PhD through the Business School), business consultancy, training, and community engagement. The Institute is involved in research, industry outreach and teaching in supply chain and logistics programs through the Business School at all levels (BSc, MSc, MBA and PhD). The Logistics Institute is currently working on a number of important and high visibility research projects. These projects have a common goal: to enhance the economy of Humber to its former glory and to restore the Humber Ports as the logical gateway of the Northern Powerhouse for trade with Europe and beyond.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities of the post Reporting to the technology lead of the institute, the role holder will contribute to the Institute’s worldwide reputation through leadership in research and industry outreach. They will be mentored and are expected to develop their skills in software design and development, across all areas of the software product lifecycle. The chosen candidate should also expect to be at the forefront of technical development of exciting new services and highly funded projects, and will play a significant role in the development of the Institute. They will work with a growing team of enthusiastic developers and technical partners across the UK.

This position is primarily research oriented. The role holder will gather data and information to undertake analytical work, and have an interest in working on big, challenging societal issues. We are looking for individuals who are self reliant with the ability to work with minimum supervision whilst contributing to a multi-disciplinary team, as well as working closely with key agencies and stakeholders. Research will be conducted at a very high level and they should have proven evidence of publication, as they will be expected to write individually and/or contribute to publications with the possibility of presenting at conferences or other events. Role holders will also create presentations and write white papers using KPI’s and analytics, as well as research proposals which will be advancing the state of knowledge in their particular discipline. These posts will require applicants to attend on and off site meetings and frequently work under pressure and to tight deadlines.

Research Band 6 Version 8 The role holder will be expected to:

 Develop algorithms, computational and visualisation tools and layers  Develop, work with and help maintain necessary databases  Develop analytical tools, dashboards and digital reports  Deliver working production code and all necessary documentation  Contribute to research and research output (e.g. reports, articles, etc.)  Participate as an active member in the project team and committee

A suitable candidate should have:

Technical:

 Dot NET development experience (essential), e.g. C#, Python, etc.  Development experience in Visual Studio or similar IDEs  Database design and development experience (e.g. SQL)  Experience with using source control  Quality control and testing experience (unit tests, documentation, maintenance etc.) – a good appreciation of what makes quality software  Experience in or a good understanding of geospatial, real-world mapping (e.g. Google Maps / OpenLayers / Bing Maps)

 Experience with and an eye for designing and presenting a variety of complex data using rich visualisation tools (e.g. Graphing / Rich-data display / Data amalgamation)

 Front-end UI development experience (e.g. XAML, PhotoShop, UserControls, etc.) with demonstrations of projects with visually appealing, user-friendly, feature-rich application front-end(s) or a portfolio, where possible

Other:

 Skills related to working in a team to develop software, the use of functional and non- functional requirements and the design and architecture of robust, effective software systems  Logical problem solving skills and a presentation ability, with the competence to speak to and reach all ages and a range of business leaders, academic partners and learners  Research experience in both conducting research and writing research up for the inclusion in conferences, journals, etc.  An appropriate, professional work ethic

In your covering letter please refer directly to the criteria, given in the person specification below. Applications are assessed by the selection panel according to these criteria.

Research Band 6 Version 8 GENERIC JOB DESCRIPTION The job duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of the role. The duties and responsibilities and the balance between the elements in the role may change or vary over time depending on the specific needs at a specific point in time or due to changing needs in the department. Candidates should note that there may not be an immediate requirement to carry out all the activities listed below. Overall Purpose of the Role This is an entry level post and may be suitable for those planning to train and develop their research skills so that they may take on a more senior research post in the future.

Research Staff at this level will assist an individual research leader or team to carry out a particular study or studies.

The research assistant will receive close supervision and direction from more senior colleagues and will receive academic, pastoral support and guidance which may include specific training, career counselling and mentoring.

The main focus of the work will involve the generation or collection of data using standard methods which have been developed by others. The role holder will assist with analysis and interpretation of results and the drafting of research reports and publications.

Main Work Activities 1. Pro-actively contribute to the research project and conduct own research to include:  Gather, prepare, analyse and interpret data  Conduct literature and database searches  Write up and present own research results

2. Contribute to the management of research projects to include:  Contribute to the planning of projects  Plan own research activity within the framework of the agreed programme

3. Prepare reports and papers describing the results of the research for both internal and external publication to include:  Contribute to the production of research reports and publications  Present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research

4. Work positively with colleagues in the research team and other collaborators and partners and support staff on routine matters both inside and outside the University  Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.  Actively participate as a member of the research team which will involve attending and contributing to relevant meetings.

Research Band 6 Version 8 5. Provide guidance as required to support staff and any project students who may be assisting with the research.

6. Demonstrate evidence of own personal and professional development including:  Appraisal, induction and performance reviews  Participation in training and development activity  Maintenance of links with professional institutions and other related bodies

Additionally the post holder will be required to:  Fulfil the employees’ duties described in the University’s health and safety policies and co-operate with the health and safety arrangements in place within the department. May be required to undertake specific health and safety roles on request e.g. Display screen equipment assessor, departmental safety officer, fire warden  Show a commitment to diversity, equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices This includes undertaking mandatory equality and diversity training  Comply with University regulations, policies and procedures

Research Band 6 Version 8 PERSON SPECIFICATION – Research Band 6

Specification Essential Desirable Examples Measured by  Has completed or is in the final stages of Education and Training a PhD in relevant discipline Application  BSc, BA or Masters degree in relevant Formal qualifications and relevant discipline training

Evidence of: Work Experience  Coding Application  Delivery of documentation Interview Ability to undertake duties of the post  Analytical skills

Evidence of : Skills and Knowledge  Collaborative working and networking to Interview enhance and develop research Includes abilities and intellect

Evidence of: Personal Qualities  An expectation to positively contribute to Application University activities and initiatives including Includes any specific physical open days, graduation ceremonies etc and requirements of the post – (subject to willingness to undertake administrative the provisions of the Equality Act 2010) activities  Working in an open and transparent way, providing information and communicating effectively with colleagues  Collaborative working, particularly on interdisciplinary activities  Continuous Professional Development.

Research Band 6 Version 8