Research Assistant

Role: Software Developer (Machine Learning for ALS Diagnosis) 

Grade and Salary: Grade 6 - £31,236 - £36,636

Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (until 27/02/2026)

Location: Edinburgh Campus

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday) for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

Purpose of the Role

The Software Developer will contribute to the development, validation, and deployment of a deep learning-based diagnostic tool for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The role is central to the EPSRC Impact Accelerator Award (IAA) project, which aims to translate machine learning research into a functional and interactive platform for clinical and industry use. The successful candidate will be responsible for refining deep learning models, conducting usability testing, and supporting stakeholder engagement activities, including presentations at events and conferences. 

Detailed Description 

The role involves working with deep learning models trained on autopsy brain images, assisting in the integration of machine learning outputs into a front-end application, and ensuring the tool meets usability and clinical translation requirements. The candidate will also contribute to industry engagement efforts by preparing demonstrations and presentations showcasing the platform’s potential for ALS diagnostics and cognitive impairment stratification. 

The position is well-suited for a researcher with a background in machine learning, medical imaging, or computational neuroscience, who is interested in the practical application of AI in healthcare. The candidate will have access to state-of-the-art resources and will collaborate closely with clinicians, industry partners, and research teams at Heriot-Watt University and the University of Aberdeen. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Machine Learning Model Development & Optimisation 

• Assist in refining and optimising the deep learning models. 

• Evaluate model performance using metrics such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and Grad-CAM visualisations. 

• Implement feature enhancements, including explainability tools. 

Software Development & Front-End Integration 

• Work on integrating machine learning outputs into a functional web-based and/or App diagnostic application. 

• Assist in developing visualisations, heatmaps, and clinical decision-support tools. 

Usability Testing & Validation 

• Conduct task-based usability testing with clinicians and researchers. 

• Collect and analyse user feedback to refine the tool’s design and functionality. 

Industry Engagement & Commercialisation Support 

• Assist in preparing demonstrations, outreach materials, and presentations for industry and clinical stakeholders. 

• Represent the project at key conferences and industry events. 

• Support the development of marketing materials and video demonstrations. 

Education, Qualifications & Experience 

Essential Criteria 

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Medical Imaging, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field. 

• Experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and transfer learning models. 

• Proficiency in Python programming and handling medical image datasets. 

• Strong understanding of computer vision, CNNs, and attention mechanisms. 

• Experience with usability testing and user interface integration for machine learning applications. 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage with clinicians and industry professionals. 

Desirable Criteria 

• Experience working with neuroimaging datasets or histopathology images. 

• Knowledge of Grad-CAM or other explainability methods for deep learning. 

• Familiarity with front-end web development (e.g., React, Flask, or Django) for integrating machine learning tools. 

• Prior experience in technology commercialisation, regulatory frameworks, or MedTech industry engagement. 

• Track record of conference presentations, scientific writing, or industry outreach. 

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV. 

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Tuesday 19th August 2025.

 

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community. 

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/ . 

Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.