Research Associate - DREVA: AI-Driven Cyber-Truth Verification for Urban Transport Infrastructure

The DREVA research team are looking for a Student to help conduct research for their project which focuses on using AI to improve cyber security and data verification within urban transport infrastructure. You will support a collaborative research team by collecting and analysing data, developing AI-based solutions, and contributing to the dissemination of project findings.

Location: Dalton Building, Manchester Met University
Hours: 15 hours per week
Dates: 1 October 2025 - 31 March 2026 

Key Responsibilities

• Support research into AI-driven cyber security, cyber-physical systems, and trustworthy data verification.
• Assist with threat modelling, risk assessment, and the analysis of urban transport data.
• Develop and test computer vision and trust-scoring models using geospatial and traffic-camera data.
• Conduct research using cloud computing platforms and specialist software tools.
• Analyse research findings and prepare reports, presentations, and publications.
• Present research outcomes at meetings, seminars, conferences, and other academic forums.
• Collaborate with academic staff, external partners, and project stakeholders.
• Support postgraduate and undergraduate students through demonstrations, training, or project supervision.
• Contribute to team activities, meetings, and the successful delivery of project objectives.

About You

You should have an interest in AI, cyber security, data analysis, or related technologies, alongside strong research, problem-solving, and communication skills. The role would particularly suit students studying computing, cyber security, data science, artificial intelligence, or a related discipline.

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Work safely and follow University policies and procedures.
• Promote equality, inclusion, sustainability, and excellent customer service.
• Engage positively with colleagues, students, and external partners.
• Undertake other reasonable duties relevant to the role.

• Current Manchester Met student studying towards, or holding, a postgraduate qualification (or equivalent experience) in Cyber Security, AI, Computer Science, or a related subject.
• Knowledge of cyber security, AI, and/or cyber-physical systems.
• Experience with research, data collection, analysis, and report writing.
• Proficiency in Python and relevant AI, machine learning, database, geospatial, or cloud-based tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and contribute effectively to research projects.

Desirable

• Experience presenting research findings.
• Experience building professional partnerships and networks.
• Experience supporting or supervising students.
• Knowledge of computer vision, geospatial data, threat modelling, trust/anomaly scoring, or adversarial AI evaluation.