An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented researcher to join our team as part of the Green Algorithms Initiative, one of the leading academic teams in the field of sustainable computing. The post will suit researchers interested in tackling one of the most pressing issues in tech today: improving our understanding and mitigating the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence and data centres.

Role

Your primary role will be to lead projects improving how computing environmental impacts are currently estimated and reported and investigate the impacts of high-impact computational tools in AI. The appointed researcher will have research interests aligned with those of our group and the freedom to develop their own ideas for new research. Initial possibilities for research projects include:

Studying the environmental impacts of AI tools expected to become (or continue to be) prominent in research in the coming years.
Taking a global view on the impacts of data centres and AI, encompassing environmental sustainability, human health, and perspectives from the Global South.
Exploring ways to better integrate life-cycle analyses in impact estimates and expanding environmental impacts beyond carbon footprint, with a focus on water usage in particular.

This research will be a key component of making computing more sustainable by drastically improving the reporting of AI impacts and shedding light on the multiple facets of the issue. If needed, you will be trained to obtain the required level of expertise in AI, green computing and environmental sustainability. Your work is expected to lead to first author high-impact publications. It is a particularly timely position at a moment when the environmental impacts of AI are being increasingly discussed, and the post holder will be able to contribute significantly to the debate internationally.

The Green Algorithms Initiative, led by Dr Loïc Lannelongue, is a world-leading project in the field of green computing focusing on quantifying and reducing the environmental impacts of computational science. The tools and frameworks developed and maintained by the group are used internationally and include the popular Green Algorithms online calculator, server-specific monitoring tools, and the GREENER Principles for Environmentally Sustainable Computational Science. The group has a strong commitment to making all tools available open access to the computing community. The Green Algorithms Initiative has received both nominations and awards for its contributions to environmentally sustainable research (e.g. HDR-UK Impact Award).

You will be part of the Lannelongue group and work in close conjunction with the senior scientists in the Green Algorithms Initiative, including Dr Loïc Lannelongue and Professor Michael Inouye. You will also work closely with other members of the Department and scientific collaborators based in other institutions. In particular, there will be links with the Department of Computer Science and Technology in Cambridge. The post-holder will be expected to work with our wider teams and develop collaborations with local and international groups. Opportunities to develop supervision and teaching skills will be provided.

The preferred candidate will have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in computer science, machine learning/AI, sustainability, or other related subject. They will have a strong interest in the intersection between computing, science and environmental sustainability. They should have an ability to communicate and present results to other scientists along with excellent verbal and written communications skills and strong organisational skills.

As a group, we value and encourage applications from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences to contribute to the highly interdisciplinary research programme. We strongly value and encourage Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as well as a flexible working environment.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

The funds are available for 2 years in the first instance from commencement in post.

This is a full-time position or part-time of no less than 70% FTE

Location - Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute, Biomedical Campus, Papworth Road, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 0BD or (approx 2 miles south of city centre)

Informal enquiries are welcome and can be made to Dr Loïc Lannelongue (ll582@medschl.cam.ac.uk).

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,132) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Closing date: 16th September 2025

Interview date: Between the 29th September 2025 and 17th October 2025

Please quote reference RH46944 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy jobs

Research Associate*/Research Assistant in Sustainability of AI (Fixed Term)