Research Assistant: AI-Enabled Digital Twin for Critical Infrastructure Inspection

Department Department of Architecture and the Built Environment Location City Centre Campus (Millennium Point) Salary £38,050 to £44,131 per annum Fixed Term contract for 36 months Post Type Full Time Release Date 09 April 2026 Closing Date 23.59 hours BST on Thursday 30 April 2026 Reference ABCE26018

About Birmingham City University

At Birmingham City University, we are a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. We aim to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world-class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment for our staff.

Recognised as one of the UK’s Top 250 employers (Financial Times & Statista), we pride ourselves on being a place where colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to grow their careers while contributing to the success of our students and communities.

Our student demographic reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Birmingham itself, with a significant proportion of students from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and the majority of our home students coming from the West Midlands. This diversity is a strength, and it calls for a workforce that is equipped to challenge deficit narratives and thinking — those assumptions that position students from underrepresented groups as lacking rather than recognising their assets, strengths and potential.

By embracing this perspective, we aim to create an environment where all students and colleagues can thrive, and where our work contributes positively to the social, cultural and economic life of Birmingham and beyond.

Role Summary

We are seeking a Research Assistant: AI-Enabled Digital Twin for Critical Infrastructure Inspection to join our Department of Architecture and the Built Environment, School of Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering (ABCE), contributing to internationally funded research at the forefront of AI-driven infrastructure inspection and digital twin development.

In this role, you will drive BCU’s research contributions across two European projects: STRUCTURE, which develops AI-enabled UAV inspection and digital twin systems for transportation infrastructure with a focus on bridges; and MariSens, which develops equivalent capabilities for offshore and coastal maritime assets including offshore wind structures, harbour infrastructure, and subsea assets.

You will develop AI-enabled inspection algorithms and digital twin frameworks spanning both domains. Key responsibilities include AI model development, sensor data fusion, digital twin integration, and consortium-level collaboration, working closely with international academic and industrial partners across the UK and Europe to ensure services are efficient, compliant, and aligned to University priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement AI and machine learning algorithms for automated defect detection and condition assessment of critical infrastructure using UAV-collected inspection data
• Develop digital twin frameworks that integrate AI-derived inspection outputs for both transportation infrastructure, with a focus on bridges, and offshore/coastal maritime assets
• Coordinate and work with research associates across the STRUCTURE and MariSens projects, providing cross-programme technical leadership and ensuring alignment between UAV inspection and digital twin research activities in bridge and maritime inspection domains
• Collaborate with consortium partners across the UK and Europe on platform integration, system validation, and the translation of research outputs into operational inspection workflows
• Produce peer-reviewed journal papers, conference presentations, technical reports, and other dissemination outputs
• Engage with infrastructure operators, regulatory bodies, and maintenance service providers to ensure research outputs are aligned with real-world operational needs

Essential Requirements

• A minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Civil Engineering, Digital Built Environment, or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrable experience with AI and machine learning frameworks for computer vision, sensor data analysis, or structural/geospatial data processing
• Proficiency in Python and/or other relevant programming languages for data processing, model development, and system integration
• Strong understanding of data management, including structured and unstructured datasets from sensor or inspection systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical findings to both academic and industry audiences
• Ability to manage workload independently, meet project milestones, and collaborate effectively within a large international research consortium

Desirable Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Digital Built Environment, Infrastructure Engineering, or a closely related discipline
• Experience with digital twin platforms, Building Information Modelling (BIM), or asset lifecycle management systems
• Familiarity with UAV/drone inspection systems or autonomous aerial data collection for infrastructure applications
• Knowledge of civil engineering, transportation infrastructure, or offshore/marine structures and their inspection and maintenance requirements
• Understanding of IoT platforms, connected sensor networks, or real-time data streaming systems relevant to infrastructure monitoring
• Experience in a collaborative or industry-facing research environment such as a funded research project, KTP, or industrial placement
• A track record of academic publication or research dissemination

Further Information

If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of the School of Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr Saeed Talebi at Saeed.Talebi@bcu.ac.uk.

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Why work for us

• Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
• Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
• Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
• Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.

Visa Sponsorship

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant criteria. For further information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.

Further Details

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