Location University of Warwick Campus, Coventry Department WMG Position Type Fixed Term Duration Ending 30 August 2027 Salary £34,866 to £45,163 per annum About the Role For informal enquiries, please contact Xingyu Zhao (Assistant Professor) at Xingyu.zhaowarwick.ac.uk. The Safe Autonomy group at WMG is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the EPSRC founded project “Harnessing Synthetic Data Fidelity for Assured Perception of Autonomous Vehicles.” This project aligns with the group’s vision which is to ensure the safe introduction of self-driving vehicle technology in society by preventing all potential accidents, while our mission is to create knowledge and methodologies for industry to prove that this technology is safe for society. Scenario-based testing, a cornerstone of Autonomous Vehicle (AV) safety assurance, leverages synthetic data for virtual verification and validation (V&V). Despite advancements in simulators and Generative AI to enhance fidelity and realism, synthetic data still falls short of outright fidelity. This project addresses a pivotal question: What level of fidelity is required for synthetic data to be deemed sufficient for AV safety? To answer this, we aim to develop a scientifically rigorous framework to define and quantify synthetic data fidelity, perform fidelity-informed verification and validation, and assess how fidelity uncertainty impacts safety confidence. This work will advance academic knowledge in synthetic data, AV safety, and Safe AI. Economically, it accelerates AV safety solutions, supports industry product development, and informs safety standards and policies. Societally, it ensures timely, safe AV deployment and bolsters public trust. About You We are seeking a talented Safe AI researcher with a systems-thinking approach to join our team. In this role, you will apply advanced techniques in machine learning (ML) testing, formal verification, uncertainty quantification, robust ML training, and explainable AI (XAI) to train and test AI systems to meet the highest safety standards. Expertise in systems-approaches (e.g., STPA), safety assurance cases, statistical inference and probabilistic modelling is also desired. You will support the department’s research, contributing to its reputation both internally and externally, while assisting the Project Leader and collaborators in project execution. Enhancing the impact of your work through publications, networking, PR communications, and stakeholder engagement will be key. If you are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD but have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon receipt of evidence of the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of level 6 of the University grade structure. About the Department WMG is a vibrant, cutting-edge research institution at the University of Warwick, one of the world’s leading research and education groups with state-of-the-art technologies. WMG hosts one of the seven centres for High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult. The Safe Autonomy Research Group at WMG is undertaking a programme of research and engineering across the verification and validation of automated transport (land, air and marine). From fundamental research, to applied research, the development of policy, standards and regulation, and direct commercial research. Our programme of work is having a material impact on the creation and application of novel safety assurance methods across emerging technologies, influencing international standards, policy, and industrial methods. We are proudly enabling a new wave of technological progress by working with partners worldwide through projects funded by Innovate UK, Horizon Europe and commercial industrial partners. 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 levels. 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. About the University Born in the 60s with a mindset of boldness, imagination, and collaboration, the University of Warwick is a world-leading research-intensive university with the highest academic and research standards. We’re one of the world’s top universities, ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK, with 92% of our research assessed to be ‘world leading or internationally excellent’. You'll be joining a diverse, innovative, and globally connected community committed to igniting real-world progress. Here at Warwick, we offer you opportunities to follow your ambitions as long as you bring the energy and determination to succeed. QS World University Rankings 2024 Research Excellence Framework 2021 How to Apply CLOSING DATE: Sunday 19 January 2025 at 11.55pm To apply, please click ‘Apply’ below and submit an application form by the closing date. Please plan for any potential delays as you will not be able to submit an application past this deadline (even if you opened the form at, say, 11.30pm). Please attach a CV and cover letter. Your CV should include your most recent employment experience, any other relevant experience, and education history. Your cover letter must detail how you meet each of the essential criteria found in the