AI Network Specialist (KTP Associate)

Salary: £36,000 (plus substantial training budget) per annum Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits . We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you. Closing Date: 01 October 2025

The Role Drager and Newcastle University are offering an exciting opportunity to accelerate product innovation and increase business productivity with an automated, scalable platform for the development of wireless sensor network products (firmware) using mathematical modelling and advanced data analysis techniques. You will be part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project which aims to enable investment in sustainable lifesaving wireless sensor network systems under extreme environments to meet the demands of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure). As a KTP Associate you will translate and apply state-of-the-art research on advanced data analysis, network topology discovery, device health monitoring, communication link performance analysis, and extreme environments modelling into design of an automated testing platform for wireless sensor networks. Draeger is an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology. Since 1889, Draeger products protect, support and save lives. Draeger has more than 16,000 employees worldwide and is present in over 190 countries around the globe. Based at Draeger you will be supported by an interdisciplinary team from Newcastle University, led by Dr Jichun Li and Prof Boguslaw Obara with expertise in Robotics, Lab Automation and Image Informatics. You will be also supported by a senior supervisor from Draeger.

Candidates should have an undergraduate qualification in Computer and Data Science, Engineering, or a related discipline (a minimum of 2:1 undergraduate qualification) A Meng, MSc or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics would be desirable. Please note that if you are successful to this role, you will require a DBS check before you can commence in the role.

Benefits Develop managerial skills and attend two residential managerial workshops (each of oneweek duration) £4,000 personal training budget The opportunity to lead a project, develop project management skills and improve long-term career prospects Mentoring by a Knowledge Transfer Network Adviser Full access to university resources to complete the project Ability to work in a largely self-determined way, across the industry-academic partnership Opportunities to develop both technical understanding and commercial awareness The possibility of studying for a higher degree or undertaking professional development The KTP Associate will be an employee of Newcastle University but will spend most of their working time at the company’s premises at Draeger Safety UK Limited, Ullswater Close, Blyth Riverside Business Park, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 4RG and when required at Newcastle University. The KTP Associate will follow Draeger working hours and holiday procedure. Your working week will be 37.5 hours. The shift pattern is Monday- Friday and there is flexibility within the core hours. Annual Leave applicable to this role is 27 days, plus bank holidays. Although the contract is fixed term for a duration of 2 years, more than 70% of KTP staff gain a permanent job offer by their KTP company.

For more information or informal enquiries, please contact Dr Jichun Li at (Jichun.Li@newcastle.ac.uk) or Prof Boguslaw Obara at (Boguslaw.Obara@newcastle.ac.uk) For further details on the Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering please visit our web page at: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/sage/ For further details about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships please visit the web page at: http://www.ktp-uk.org/ To apply, please attach your CV and a cover letter that demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria for the position, as outlined in the Person Specification of the Job Description. Any requested additional documents required as part of your application, should be included within the same file as your cover letter. The total file size must not exceed 10MB.

Key Tasks Researching and assessing the state of the art of the proposed project Concept development through prototype realization including hardware design, and software design including user interface Mathematical modelling, simulation and system optimization Working closely with Draeger Safety UK team including senior management, suppliers, and company clients, as well as NU academics to ensure the successful development and deployment of the testing system Design and facilitate workshops to share and transfer knowledge Publications in conferences or journals

The Person Knowledge, Skills, And Experience Expertise in research and development, project management, or innovation Knowledge in machine learning and simulation using Simulink or MATLAB Practical experience in embedded systems, including programming skills Knowledge of simulation for wireless communication networks Desirable: Familiarity with relevant technology, instruments, and methods, such as data analysis software, programming languages and lab equipment Ability to undertake mathematical analysis. Ability to undertake practical, experimental projects A track record of publications in journals or international conferences in related disciplines

Attributes and Behaviour High level of drive and commitment Excellent organisational and planning skills Thrives in a project environment with the ability to work to tight deadlines The ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues. The ability to work autonomously and the confidence to lead Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate at all levels to different stakeholder groups in both academia and industry Good attention to detail Is a natural problem solver Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills

Qualifications / Experience Candidates must have a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate qualification in Computer and Data Science, Engineering, or a related discipline A master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Engineering, Physics or Mathematics is desirable Trackable work experience as software engineer is desirable Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. Requisition ID: 28548