> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3208246-research-associate-a-novel-scientometric-indicator-for-detecting-scientific-fraud-through-dark-data-validation-satern](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3208246-research-associate-a-novel-scientometric-indicator-for-detecting-scientific-fraud-through-dark-data-validation-satern). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Research Associate - A Novel Scientometric Indicator for Detecting Scientific Fraud through Dark Data Validation (SATERN)

- **Company:** Heriot-Watt University
- **Location:** Edinburgh, UK
- **Salary:** £37,694.0 - £47,389.0
- **Contract:** Temporary contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Computer Programming, Image Analysis, Data Validation, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Information Technology
- **Published:** September 28, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=44c0c4ac1b9a0ccd

## About the Role

These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be made.

Essential

 * PhD in computer science or relevant discipline (or close to completion).

 * Evidence of a developing publication record in AI related research.

 * Experience in machine learning research and applications.

 * Very good programming skills in Python

 * Experience or desire to work with those from other disciplines

 * Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to work independently

 * Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills

 * Excellent time management skills including the ability to prioritise workload

 * Ability to travel to project meetings within UK and international conferences as requested by the project.

Desirable

 * Experience in image analysis and clustering analysis

 * Experience in trustworthy AI and multimodal machine learning

 * Experience or knowledge in anomaly detection or fraudulence detection.

 * Experience in working in interdisciplinary research projects

 * Experience in working in externally funded research projects

 * Adaptability, willingness to learn new fields and develop new skill sets.

## Description

We are recruiting a full time research associate to contribute to the principally funded UKRI project named “A Novel Scientometric Indicator for Detecting Scientific Fraud through Dark Data Validation (SATERN)†.

The project aims to deliver a novel scientometric indicator that identifies both single modality and cross-modal fraudulence in published papers. SATERN will detect fraud by extracting hidden numerical data from scientific images/figures; what we call dark data; and cross-validating it against other modalities such as texts and tables. our indicator triangulates across all three modalities simultaneously because it is harder to fraudulently manipulate all modalities consistently. The developed indicator will serve editors, funders, institutions, and publishers, enabling evidence-based decisions to reject fraudulent submissions and screen published papers at scale.

The successful candidate will contribute to develop novel and apply existing image forensics techniques to detect image manipulation and apply clustering techniques to detect image reuse network and paper mills. The candidate will also help develop multimodal machine learning models to detect paper fraudulence from multimodal data (images, texts, and tables) in collaboration with researchers from Strathclyde, Surrey, and industry.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

 * Conduct and disseminate original research aligned with the project and in collaboration with the team.
 * Responsible for developing multimodal machine learning models to detect paper fraudulence by working closely with team members and project partners.
 * Responsible for applying clustering techniques to detect image reuse networks and paper mills.
 * Contribute to collecting and preprocessing multimodal data from a large number of papers.
 * Contribute to pilot, dissemination, and commercialisation of the indicator.
 * Work as part of the team to help organize events and support the work of the team as needed, including travelling to project meetings within UK.
 * Identify appropriate sources of funding and help prepare research proposals for funding bodies
 * Demonstrate initiative in making routine decisions in order to manage and achieve project deliverables and deadlines
 * Participate in, and develop, networks and collaborations both internally and externally to the Division/School /University
 * Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post