Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) Associate in Agent-Based Modelling & AI Systems

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented and enthusiastic researcher or graduate developer to join an Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) project between the University of Bath and Synoptix Ltd.

About the role

The project will develop a simulation-supported threat-modelling methodology that identifies how cyber and technical disruption across systems-of-systems can affect the stability of interconnected human-AI teams and command structures, supporting the assessment and resilience of AI-enabled systems in defence and other high consequence sectors.

You will play a key role in designing and implementing prototype simulation environments that support the assessment of threats, vulnerabilities and interventions across interconnected human-AI systems.  

This role offers an opportunity to work on a novel challenge involving AI assurance, digital security and simulation-supported threat analysis while collaborating directly with industry specialists and academic experts on cutting-edge research.

Synoptix is an award-winning engineering consultancy delivering advanced solutions across defence, aerospace, healthcare, energy and cyber security sectors. The company develops innovative AI-powered products including Synx-Lookout, an edge-computing maritime awareness platform that uses computer vision and autonomy technologies. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop agent-based simulation models representing human and AI actors.
• Contribute to the creation of reference architectures for Human-AI Systems (SoHAS).
• Support the development of threat and resilience modelling approaches.
• Encode vulnerabilities, attack behaviours and mitigation strategies within simulation environments.
• Analyse how failures and disruptions propagate across complex socio-technical systems.
• Contribute to project reports, presentations and recommendations.
• Engage regularly with both academic and industrial project partners.

We welcome applications from candidates who have: 

• BSc Degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Data Science or a related discipline.
• Strong programming skills, particularly in Python or similar languages.
• Knowledge of software development and modelling approaches.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

This AKT project is funded by UKRI through Innovate UK. This programme has been designed to create short-term collaborations between a university and business to deliver a rapid and targeted intervention to accelerate the development of an innovation project, with potential for significant impact on the business. AKT projects are delivered by graduates who benefit from the opportunity to work on a strategically relevant project within industry, whilst receiving support and guidance from university academics. More information about the Accelerated Knowledge Transfer programme can be found at: https://www.ktp-uk.org/accelerated-knowledge-transfer/

Further information

This is a part-time role (0.5 FTE) for a fixed-term role for a period of 3 months, and the role must start no later than 13 November 2026.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

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We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:

• Staff support groups and networks
• A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
• A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive

Find out more about being at your best at Bath.

Closing Date: 27 Oct 2026

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £39,560 to £46,970 pro rata