Postdoctoral Research Associate in Reproducibility and Complexity at Heriot-Watt University
Job Description
Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business, and industry.
The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences has an international research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering, and technology.
Job Summary
We seek an ambitious and creative postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) for a period of 1,5 years (18 months), starting from June 2024 or earliest thereafter.
Detailed Description
The PDRA will be working within the auspices of the WIDERA consortium project iRISE (Improving Reproducibility in Science) under the guidance of Dr Daniele Fanelli, in a nascent Metascience Lab located in the School of Social Sciences at Heriot-Watt University.
With the general objective of advancing Metascience and helping the progress of all disciplines, the PDRA will actively contribute to the development and testing of new methods to incorporate complexity into our understanding of research reproducibility (see “How to apply” for relevant references). Depending on the candidate’s interests, the specific work may take a more theoretical, methodological, or empirical orientation.
The nature and level of the research requires strong quantitative skills and experience with analytical and/or computational modelling, or quantitative analyses.
The post is for a period of 18 months but, after a satisfactory performance during the first 6 months, should the PDRA wish to extend their position, they will be encouraged to lead or collaborate on new grant applications.
Key duties and responsibilities
The post holder is required to:
- Develop and test methods to analyse how the complexity of a field’s subject matter and methodology affects the field’s reproducibility, using analytical and computational models and/or empirical analyses.
- Write research publications based on research findings.
- Contribute to the development of novel, transferable methodologies, and contribute to developing a statistical package that implements them.
- Take part in dissemination activities, such as conferences and workshops.
- Help with general management of the project and research group (e.g. web page and social media communication).
Essential Criteria
Applicants must have:
- You should have a PhD and/or equivalent research experience in a suitable subject (any disciplinary background is accepted).
- Knowledge and practical understanding of basic concepts in information theory (e.g. Shannon Entropy, Kolmogorov complexity), in addition to general quantitative and/or statistical skills.
- Prior experience and/or a demonstrable interest in modelling and studying complex systems and/or social and behavioural phenomena and/or Metascience.
For all criteria, further details and how to apply:
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/.
