Software Developer (Machine Learning for ALS Diagnosis)

Role: Software Developer (Machine Learning for ALS Diagnosis)

Contract Type: Part Time (0.6FTE/21 hours per week), Fixed Term (until the end of February 2026).

Grade: Grade 6 - £31,236 - £36,636 pro rata

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). 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

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field. 
• Experience with machine learning 
• Experience with Python programming. 
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to attend national conferences and travel for industry engagement as required. 

Desirable

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field. 
• Experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras) for medical images 
• Experience with Python programming and handling medical image datasets. 
• Experience with Grad-CAM or other model explainability methods. 
• Experience with front-end development frameworks (e.g., React, Flask, Django) for integration. 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to engage with clinicians and industry stakeholders. 

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 must be submitted by midnight on  Wednesday 8th October 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/  

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.