Software Developer (Machine Learning for ALS Diagnosis)
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Role: Software Developer (Machine Learning for ALS Diagnosis)
Contract Type: Part Time (0.6FTE/21 hours per week), Fixed Term (until the end of February 2026).
Grade: Grade 6 - £31,236 - £36,636 pro rata
Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE).
Purpose of the Role
The Software Developer will contribute to the development, validation, and deployment of a deep learning-based diagnostic tool for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Detailed Description
The role involves working with deep learning models trained on autopsy brain images, assisting in the integration of machine learning outputs into a front-end application, and ensuring the tool meets usability and clinical translation requirements.
Key Duties And Responsibilities
Machine Learning Model Development & Optimisation
- Assist in refining and optimising the deep learning models.
- Evaluate model performance using metrics such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and Grad-CAM visualisations.
- Implement feature enhancements, including explainability tools.
Software Development & Front-End Integration- Work on integrating machine learning outputs into a functional web-based and/or App diagnostic application.
- Assist in developing visualisations, heatmaps, and clinical decision-support tools.
Usability Testing & Validation- Conduct task-based usability testing with clinicians and researchers.
- Collect and analyse user feedback to refine the tool’s design and functionality.
Industry Engagement & Commercialisation Support- Assist in preparing demonstrations, outreach materials, and presentations for industry and clinical stakeholders.
- Represent the project at key conferences and industry events.
- Support the development of marketing materials and video demonstrations.
Essential
- Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.
- Experience with machine learning
- Experience with Python programming.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Willingness to attend national conferences and travel for industry engagement as required.
Desirable- Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.
- Experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras) for medical images
- Experience with Python programming and handling medical image datasets.
- Experience with Grad-CAM or other model explainability methods.
- Experience with front-end development frameworks (e.g., React, Flask, Django) for integration.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to engage with clinicians and industry stakeholders.
How to Apply
Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV.
Applications must be submitted by midnight on Wednesday 8th October 2025.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.
