Research Associate (GreenAVM Project) (Part-time)

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Associate. This role offers an exciting opportunity to build a client-facing MVP prototype for the GreenAVM project. The post holder will work with the PI, Dr Yishuang Xu, in the School of Environment, Education and Development, and Co-I, Dr Khashayar Kazemzadeh, to develop a working prototype that wraps the existing GreenAVM model into a client-facing web application.

You will be responsible for:

• Develop a web-based application (front-end and back-end) wrapping the existing AutoGluon valuation model for client-facing demonstrations
• Integrate public data feeds (Land Registry, EPC Register) into the application to enable live or near-live property valuations
• Implement SHAP-based explainability visualisations so that valuation outputs are interpretable by non-technical users
• Deploy the prototype to a cloud environment (e.g., AWS, Azure) and ensure it is accessible for stakeholder demonstrations
• Document the technical architecture, codebase, data pipelines, and deployment configuration, and provide a structured technical handover to support future development

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

• Degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline
• Experience building web applications (full-stack or back-end development)
• Proficiency in Python and familiarity with web frameworks (e.g., Flask, Django, FastAPI, or Streamlit)
• Experience deploying applications to cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• Experience with API integration and working with external data sources

Desirable Criteria:

• PhD or Master’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field
• Experience with AutoML frameworks (e.g., AutoGluon) or SHAP/explainable AI tools
• Experience with front-end development or UI prototyping for data-driven applications
• Knowledge of UK property data, EPC data, or energy efficiency in the built environment
• Experience in startup, commercialisation, or rapid prototyping contexts

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:
• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Dr Yishuang Xu

Email Address: yishuang.xu@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support

recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.