Data Analyst – KTP Associate

This role is an exciting opportunity for candidates with PhD in Mathematics or Computer Science with a focus on machine learning.

This KTP project aims to develop improved manufacturing and quality protocols for Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) using machine learning techniques to improve productivity, increase yield and reduce costs, and to improve the design process for future more complex systems.

The solution delivered in this KTP through machine learning approach will adopt:

• Visual informatics techniques
• Probabilistic modelling and regression methods
• Mixture models.

Candidate Profile: PhD in Mathematics or Computer Science with a focus on machine learning.

Highly desirable skills/experience required:

• Knowledge of visual informatics methods (e.g., generative topographic mapping, Multidimensional Scaling and t-distributed stochastic neighbourhood embedding)
• Inference regression and optimisation techniques (e.g., Bayesian methods, probabilistic graphs and Gaussian Processes)
• Knowledge of computing methods related to machine learning.
• Some knowledge in photonics/physics/electronics
• Previous experience of working and in the industrial environment would also be beneficial

Personal attributes:

• Willingness to learn new skills and extend capabilities through the project.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills as it is pivotal for the projects to ensure a smooth information flow both horizontally (between Aston University and EFFECT Photonics) and vertically – when communicating with the senior leadership team
• Proactive attitude to cope with the typical day-to-day challenges
• Work independently on own initiative as and when required.
• Self-motivated and confident.
• Fit in with the organisational culture and present a positive image of the company to clients.

Additional Benefits:

• Up to £6,000 for personal and professional development for the duration of the project
• 25 days of annual leave per annum

This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Effect Photonics Ltd and Innovate UK-KTN. It is essential you understand how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you secure this position. To learn more please visit: www.aston.ac.uk/ktp

The Company: EFFECT Photonics Ltd designs, develops and manufactures Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), which combine many complex optical functions to create a System on a Chip (SOC). These PICs are then assembled into modules to be sold and integrated into data networks. The initial offering is used as part of the upgrade of mobile data infrastructures to the 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) standard taking place across the world. More about the company: https://effectphotonics.com/

Aston University: You will work in a project team with Dr Stylianos Sygletos, Prof David Saad, Prof Wladek Forysiak at the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and the Senior Management Team at Effect Photonics Ltd with the support of the IUK-KTN’s Knowledge Transfer Adviser.

Location: You will be based predominantly at Effect Photonics in Paignton, Devon, but will also have access to facilities at Aston University in central Birmingham. Some travel to other EFFECT Photonics’ sites may also be required.

For informal enquiries about this role please contact Dr Stylianos Sygletos, Associate Professorial Research Fellow, Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies, E-mail: s.sygletos@aston.ac.uk