Research Assistant in Intelligent Technology for Food Safety

The ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University provides food businesses with technical, operational and commercial support to enable them to compete more effectively. ZERO2FIVE employs experienced food and drink technologists, business specialists and senior lecturers and professors. Collectively, this team specialise in all aspects of food and drink processing, manufacturing, operational and technical issues. ZERO2FIVE is able to draw on expertise within Cardiff Metropolitan University which includes internationally recognised experts in food science, nutrition, dietetics, food legislation, environmental health, trading standards, new product development and biomedical sciences. Our team of internationally recognised food industry experts are available to assist our clients across a variety of food disciplines including baking, dairy and meat technologies, hygiene management, packaging design, technical management systems and new product development. The business team can provide marketing, market analysis, new product development, financial and trade engagement support. We can also assist companies in sourcing funding, a major stumbling block in the development of many businesses. The state-of-the-art facilities within ZERO2FIVE are available for use by businesses and schools. These include a consumer sensory suite, 4 pilot sized plants, a development kitchen and a consumer research kitchen.

The opportunity

This role will create a critical link between the ZERO2FIVE Food and Drink Research Unit and the Cardiff School of Technologies. The role will be pivotal in driving forward the innovation and application of sensor-based and AI technologies aimed at improving hand hygiene practices within food manufacturing environments.

What You’ll Do – Key Duties

• Collaborate on applied research projects with senior researchers, focusing on innovative, technology-driven solutions to enhance food safety.
• Conduct research involving sensors, systems, and device connectivity, with a focus on utilizing Jetson and Raspberry Pi platforms.
• Apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques for innovative applications, including sensing, image recognition, and motion detection.
• Develop and manage programming and interfacing with devices such as Jetson Orin, Jetson Nano, and Raspberry Pi for efficient data acquisition and analysis.
• Integrate sensors, like intelligent cameras, with Jetson and Raspberry Pi platforms to enhance data capture and processing capabilities.
• Support the creation of a sensor-based system designed to monitor and promote hand hygiene in food manufacturing environments.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?

In 2020, the University was named The Sunday Times ‘Welsh University of the Year 2021’; in 2021 it became the Times Higher Education ‘UK and Ireland University of the Year 2022’; and in 2022 it was ranked the top university in the UK in the People and Planet Green League.

In addition, the University offers highly competitive terms and conditions including:

• Annual leave of 25 days, rising to 30 days after 1 years’ service, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days (pro rata if part time).
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous contributions.
• Flexible and remote working opportunities.
• Excellent family friendly policies.
• Award winning sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership, plus subsidised physiotherapy/complementary therapy/sports massage.
• Access to all library facilities.
• Salary sacrifice schemes including cycle to work.
• Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

If you would like to talk with us about this opportunity please contact Ellen Evans, Reader in Food Safety Behaviour, email at elevans@cardiffmet.ac.uk

Should a high volume of applications be received, we may need to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.

The University is committed to creating a highly inclusive culture. We offer family friendly and flexible working arrangements and a range of staff networks, forums and events to support and develop our people. We warmly welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in the higher education sector.