Research Assistant in Simulation-Based Testing (0.2 FTE)

Overview

Autonomous driving systems (ADS) are rapidly advancing, but ensuring their safety and reliability remains a critical challenge. Simulation-based testing offers a promising approach to address this, using high-fidelity simulations to reduce the costs and risks associated with real-world testing.

We are seeking two motivated and technically-skilled research assistants to join our team and contribute to advancing simulation-based testing methods for ADS. You will contribute to cutting-edge research projects, including the EPSRC-funded SimpliFaiS: Simplification of Failure Scenarios for Machine Learning-enabled Autonomous Systems, and the IITP-funded Simulation-Based Testing for Mobility Cyber-Physical Systems of Systems.

In this role, you will gain hands-on experience by setting up and configuring open-source driving simulators (eg CARLA, BeamNG), implementing research tools, and running experiments to support our research activities. You will work alongside researchers and international collaborators from Germany and South Korea, contributing directly to real-world projects.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to build early research experience, develop a track record of open-source contributions, and potentially co-author publications. It is particularly well-suited for students who are considering pursuing a PhD or an academic career after graduation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Assist in the development and implementation of automated testing and debugging tools for autonomous driving systems.
• Set up and configure open-source driving simulators (e.g. CARLA, BeamNG) to support experimental evaluation.
• Help run experiments to benchmark and evaluate the performance of testing and debugging techniques.
• Support the preparation of technical reports, documentation, and datasets to aid research dissemination.
• Participate in project meetings and collaborate with team members.
• Contribute to maintaining and improving research software, including updating open-source repositories where applicable.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• Current student or graduate in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related discipline (assessed at: application/interview).
• Strong programming skills in Python or a similar language (assessed at: application/interview).
• Ability to set up and configure software environments, eg installing simulators or libraries (assessed at: application/interview).
• Familiarity with version control systems (eg Git/GitHub) for collaborative software development (assessed at: application/interview).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team (assessed at: interview).
• Good problem-solving and critical-thinking skills (assessed at: interview).
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal (assessed at: interview).

Desirable criteria

• Experience working with unfamiliar open-source software (assessed at: application/interview).
• Familiarity with basic experimental evaluation and data analysis (e.g., plotting results, interpreting experimental outcomes) (assessed at: interview).

Further Information

Grade: 6

Salary: £31,637 to £36,130 pro rata (equivalent to a full-time salary), with an actual salary of £6,327 to £7,226 per annum based on seven hours a week. Potential to progress to £39,355 pro rata through sustained exceptional contribution.

Work arrangement: Part-time

Duration: 15th September 2025 - 30th June 2026

Line manager: Lecturer in Testing (project lead)

Direct reports: None

Our website: sheffield.ac.uk/cs

For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Donghwan Shin, project lead, at D.Shin@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place about two weeks after the closing date. This will consist of a presentation and an interview.  If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact the Research Recruitment Team at COM-ResearchRecruitment@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.