Job Description

The Post

To support the investigators of the Leverhulme Trust Research Grant entitled: "Under-Land: Understanding and Visualising Complex Optimisation Landscapes" by developing, leading and delivering innovative research to characterise and understand the search landscape and algorithm dynamics induced by combining complex optimisation problems and methods.

Description of Duties

To undertake high quality research & scholarship activities required for the Under-Land project To contribute to peer-reviewed publications and other outputs, including as lead author To contribute to the development of software tools for fitness landscape and search trajectory analysis and visualisation To deliver presentations at conferences or exhibit work in other appropriate events To contribute to doctoral student supervision, as appropriate to qualifications and experience To engage and collaborate with the Under-Land project investigators at Exeter University To engage and collaborate with the Under-Land project Steering Committee as well as with relevant international leading researchers in our field To contribute to drafting major grant proposals and/or leading on drafting small grant proposals to secure future research funding To undertake activities that support the Department, Faculty, and the development of early-career researchers To demonstrate good external citizenship by contributing to learned society/conference events, and academic article reviews To keep up to date with the latest research/thinking in our academic field and with changes to pedagogic practice within the Faculty

Essential Criteria

A doctoral degree, or close to effective completion, in a relevant topic Relevant experience in optimisation, evolutionary computation or machine learning Contributions to peer-reviewed written output, as expected by the subject area/discipline in terms of types and volume of outputs Proven ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively as part of a research team, and proven ability to meet research deadlines Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing Evidence of good organisational skills, including effective time management

Desirable Criteria

Interest in scientific visualisation and complex networks Knowledge and experience in some of the following topics: + Multi-objective optimisation, uncertain optimisation, quality-diversity optimisation, constrained optimisation + Genetic programming, code evolution, neuroevolution
+ Fitness landscape analysis and visualisation
+ Machine learning for algorithm performance prediction and recommendation.
+ Adaptive algorithm selection, configuration and parameter tuning
+ Benchmarking optimisation methods
Some experience of: + contributing to research grant applications + teaching and assessment
+ supervising and supporting junior researchers and/or research degree students

Additional Information

Full time

Fixed term for 3 years



The closing date for applications is midnight on Tuesday 22 July 2025.


Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 13 August 2025.



There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.


For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible depending on candidate circumstances and is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2119.



The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills

Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service

Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions

Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change

Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively

Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context

Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others

Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together

Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results

Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.



The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.



We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.



Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).



Alongside partners, the University spearheads the 214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal - which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland's International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk

Job Reference: FAC02053