Research Assistant in Computer Science

Job Description Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic candidate to help deliver research in the area of Computer Science/Data Science. The successful candidate will be employed for a period of 3 years and will be required to fulfil the research obligations of a project entitled ‘Characterization of blockchain networks for propagation delay mitigation with dynamic network clustering’. This research is funded by the Ministry of Higher Education (Fundamental Research Grant Scheme) and aims to mitigate propagation delay in blockchains from the P2P network architecture with dynamic clustering of the nodes making up the network. This can be achieved through the identification of the significant key parameters of the architecture, and through these parameters, the clusters can be optimally created with unbiased random leader election to supervise these clusters.  The post-holder will be required to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of Computer Science/Data Science and to have a working knowledge of a range of topics within the sphere of their chosen discipline. They will also be expected to work as part of a wider research team, and to develop strong links with colleagues located at the Malaysia and Scottish campuses, as well as with those partners and collaborators related to the project.  All of the research activities and the project reporting will be undertaken in English and so fluency is essential. The successful candidate will also be required to register for a higher research degree, for example, Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Philosophy, for which a tuition fee waiver will be granted. As a requirement of the tuition fee waiver, the post-holder may also be required to tutor undergraduate students. The role will be based at the University's campus in Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia. The candidate will have the access to established university resources, and an induction programme will be delivered to all new appointees.  Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conduct and manage research and related administrative activities, with guidance as required, ensuring that project aims and objectives are met.
2. Working closely with the supervisory team, develop and plan research objectives.
3. Present information on research progress and outcomes to, for example, project lead, funding body, university research committee, research team, etc.
4. Publish research reports, conference and indexed journal papers in line with project requirements.
5. Build appropriate networks within and outside the team.
6. Support dissemination and contribute to technical workshops, seminars and conferences as appropriate
7. Where needed, travel to partner universities (research collaborators) to carry out research and/or attend meetings presentations etc.
8. Ensure that all data collection undertaken as part of the project is done so ethically and in line with both UK (GDPR) and Malaysian privacy and data protection policies, and in compliance with the requirements of the funder.
9. Provide tutoring and assist in the supervision of student research projects as necessary.
10. Register as a Master (by research) or PhD student at our University, and fulfil all obligations of this registration and course of study.

Applicants should note that the Intellectual property generated as part of this research will belong to both Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and the project funder.  Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post and its general responsibilities. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.  Person Specification  Education & Experience Essential:

• Bachelor degree in Computer Science/Data Science or related cognate discipline
• Satisfies the entry requirement for MPhil or PhD programme, Heriot-Watt University

Desirable:

• Master or equivalent in appropriate discipline

Experience  Essential:

• Knowledge of computer networking, cryptography, data analytics, programming and systems (virtualization, etc.)
• Clear communicator with good reading and writing skills; good at understanding and explaining concepts

Desirable:

• Knowledge of blockchain systems, distributed systems, verifiable delay functions and system consensus.
• Possesses research and analytical skills with strong capacity to conduct independent research
• Research experience 
• Experience of publishing papers in journals/ conferences
• Successful completion of funded research and/or funded knowledge exchange

Competencies, Skills & Knowledge Essential:

• Ability to conceptualize problems and develop well-reasoned and logical viewpoints
• Fluent (verbal and written) in English 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Hardworking, proactive, willing to learn new things
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Flexible, self-motivated and able to plan his/her own work
• Good interpersonal skills

Special Factors (if applicable) Essential:

• Nationality must be Malaysian
• Enjoys being part of an academic community, and willing to take a 'hands on' approach from the outset.

Application Process Applications should be submitted to Careers system. Applications must be submitted by 30 August 2024 . If you are not contacted by the selection committee by 15 September 2024 then please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful. The University is committed to equality of opportunity. #J-18808-Ljbffr