Job Description

Salary

UH7 38,784pa to 46,049pa by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience

Contractual hours

37

Basis

Full Time

Job category/type

Academic/Research

Job reference

REQ000371

Post Title:

Research Fellow in Advanced Topics in Intelligent Systems

SBU/Department:

School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science

FTE:

1 FTE (working 37 hours per week)

Duration of Contract:

Fixed term (3 years)

Salary:

UH7 38,784pa to 46,049pa by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience

Annual Leave:

35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location:

College Lane Campus, Hatfield

Main duties and responsibilities

We are seeking a full-time Research Fellow to join the Adaptive Systems Research Group (ASRG) at the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire to conduct research breaking new ground beyond current state of the art in adaptive systems, including, but not limited to AI and learning systems and/or robotics. Research topics can include but are not limited to novel approaches to structure learning, intrinsic motivation, fundamentals of cognition, and the sensorimotor loop, embodied and adaptive robotics. The Research Fellow in Emerging Topics in Adaptive Systems will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct complex and challenging projects in this area as opportunities allow.

The Research Fellow in Emerging Topics in Adaptive Systems will be expected to establish a programme of research activity working collaboratively with colleagues at UH and partner organisations. You will contribute to the preparation of proposals and applications for funding to external bodies, such as the European Commission and the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The Research Fellow in Emerging Topics in Adaptive Systems will create opportunities to maximise research activities, capturing relevant evidence to support impact and engaging with external partners and stakeholders.

Skill and experience required

You will have outstanding programming skills in at least one major computer language as well as expertise in at least one strong mathematical/quantitative or robotics background. You will have excellent interpersonal and presentation skills and be proficient in both written and oral English.

You must be able to work independently and in a structured manner and demonstrate good collaborative skills within a team.

You may also have strong theoretical and programming background in AI, machine learning, mathematical modelling including physics-based models, and/or robot development (hardware and/or software) (Desirable) along with experience with any of probabilistic modelling, stochastic control, information theoretic AI, Artificial Life or related topics are a definite plus (Desirable)

Qualifications required

Educated with a Degree (or equivalent level 6 qualification) and a PhD (or equivalent level 8 qualification), or close to completion of PhD (no more than 3 months prior to viva) in a relevant subject area, or equivalent experience.

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria.

Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

Internal applicants - please ensure you apply via your employee self-service portal.

An appointment to this role may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

Please note, this post cannot be visa sponsored unless you can evidence a PhD / Doctorate.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries:

Prof. Dr. Daniel Polani, d.polani@herts.ac.uk

Closing Date

: 05 January 2026

Interview Date:

TBC

Reference Number:

REQ000371

Date advert placed:

02 December 2025

Our vision is to transform lives: UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics, and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts