Research Fellow (111308-0226)

Location

University of Warwick Campus, Coventry

Department

WMG

Position Type

Fixed Term

Duration

Fixed-term contract until 31st May 2029

Salary

£35,608 to £46,049 per annum

About the Role

Informal Queries

• For informal queries, please contact Associate Professor (Reader) Jay Warnett at j.m.warnettwarwick.ac.uk

We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to play a crucial role in our recently UKRI awarded project "AC/DC: Accessible CT Data Compression".

This candidate will have a background in image data compression, supported by experience with AI and machine learning. They will utilise this knowledge to develop domain specific compression by exploiting spatial and temporal redundancies, including through implementation of AI.

A complimentary role is being advertised where the focus is mathematical modelling opposed to AI.

X-ray Computed Tomography enables non-destructive observation of an objects internal structure. From material phases of novel alloys to uncovering a fossils provenance it supports a broad spectrum of academic research. However, even modest operation of a single system generates 10TB of raw data annually which requires archiving for 10+ years. This had led to an unsustainable data accumulation globally, desperate for a solution.

This project will create the first accessible, domain specific, machine independent CT data compression methods. Your experience with image data compression structures combined with intuition of domain specific redundancies will enable us to develop such methods, slashing storage requirements by up to 80% and directly lowering the carbon footprint of global research infrastructure. You will initially focus on lossless compression with predictor models and inspiration from video encoding. Stronger compression ratios will be identified through machine learning and AI methodologies. Subsequently, AI supported lossy methods will be developed with a focus on optimal compression with minimal acceptable data loss These methods will be integrated into user friendly open-source compression software so everyone can benefit.

The project is joint with University of Cambridge and University of Portsmouth. It includes an annual two month secondment to Cambridge with all travel covered, to receive the experience of multiple research environments to develop the best data compression.

There are a series of project partners including NASA, Rolls-Royce, and JLR who will be appraising the research as it evolves, ensuring the outcomes are exploited.

About You

An experienced data compression engineer with experience in AI and machine learning. A keen interest in identifying patterns in data, and learning from fields adjacent to their knowledge.

This position requires an understanding of existing image and video codecs, with an intuition of how they would be adapted specifically for these datasets. AI methodologies for compression will be a key focus to identify further refinements. Previous experience in creating software and management thereof is required.

The candidate must have Python and C/C++ programming experience. No previous experience with X-ray Imaging is necessary.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).

Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

About the Department

CiMAT (Centre for Imaging, Measurement and Additive Techonologies) has been developing X-ray Imaging methodologies for over 20 years.

The group is part of the National Facility in X-ray CT , making the technique more widely accessible for researchers. We have five X-ray CT scanners on site to support a variety of imaging needs, participating in collaborative academic and industrial research, making it one of the largest facilities of its kind.

Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) is the largest department at the University of Warwick with over 800 staff, world renowned for providing innovative solutions to industry through its research, development and education programmes.

Our industry focussed education portfolio includes nearly 3,000 students studying management, technology and applied engineering subjects, at postgraduate and undergraduate level. We have high expectations for our teaching and our courses are regularly ranked top in the UK and amongst the leading courses in their field in the world.

At WMG we are committed to supporting staff to achieve their potential.

We currently hold the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the University of Warwick holds an Institutional Silver Award: a national initiative that recognizes the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all in academia.

For further information about WMG, please visit our website .

For further information on the WMG centre High Value Manufacturing Catapult, please see our website.

We are globally recognised for our world-class research, innovative industry partnerships, and teaching excellence, and we are proud holders of the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the Institutional Silver Award.

Find out more about the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre .

Find out more about the Energy Innovation Centre .

Find out more about our range of undergraduate and apprenticeship degrees here .

About the University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/ .

* World University Ranking 2024 , Guardian University Guide 2025

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Thursday 19th March 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV should include:

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your cover letter should explain:

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.

• Interview Date: 30th March 2026
• Start Date: 1st June 2026

Please note a pplication forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

What we Offer

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here .

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer .

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick .

Find out more about our awards and accreditations .

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance .

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

Job Description

JD Research Fellow (111308).pdf - 226KB

Right to Work in the UK

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