The role

This role is a part of a multidisciplinary, EPSRC funded research project which will co-create a digital hub solution to enable a UK circular food system in the context of the apple supply chain. The digital hub will act as the central exchange or marketplace where data on produce availability will be published, donations made, or prices negotiated, and new product flows supported to foster creation of a circular economy. The present role will focus on the user-centred co-design activities for the development of the digital hub.

What will you be doing?

• Carry out user studies (e.g., workshops, interviews, focus groups, observations studies) to collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data informing user interface design for the hub
• Co-design a services ‘dashboard’ for circular economy
• Design prototypes for data collection within the observed user environments to place buy/sell orders on the Hub (e.g., for approximate quantities of apples, cider, or their by-products).
• Evaluate developed solutions (e.g., through task-based assessments and end-user feedback) to refine and improve the services.
• Collaborated with hub developer and other researchers on the project.
• Publish in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.

You should apply if

We are looking to appoint a motivated researcher to work at the forefront of computer science research in sustainability, contributing to real-world solutions that align with societal and environmental goals.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Computer Science to join our dynamic research team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of computer science, sustainability, and user-centred digital innovation.

Additional information

To find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog:

https://engineering.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/category/engineering-includes-me/

Contract type: Fixed term until 30/04/2027

Work pattern: Part time/14 hours per week

Grade: I / J

Salary: Grade I £39,906 - £44,746 per annum; Grade J £43,482 - £50,253 per annum pro rata

The grade of the role offered will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience you bring to the position.

School/Unit: Computer Science

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 18/06/2026

For informal queries please contact:

Ruzanna Chitchyan, Professor of Software Engineering Email: r.chitchyan@bristol.ac.uk

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