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- Tasks: Join us as a Research Assistant to develop machine learning models for urban drainage detection.
- Company: Newcastle University is a leading global institution committed to inclusivity and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, health initiatives, and a great pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on flood risk mitigation while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: A Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Maths, or Computer Science is required.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role for 6 months, starting immediately.
The predicted salary is between 27500 - 29000 £ per year.
Salary: £32,546 to £34,132 per annum
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Closing Date: 10 July 2025
The Role
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Data scientist to join our team. The scientist will work on the development and implementation of machine learning models aimed at detecting urban drainage infrastructure components (such as stormwater drains, sewers, and manholes) from publicly available street-level images.
The role will also involve developing models to identify obstructions, such as debris or blockages, within these systems to support real-time monitoring and flood risk mitigation efforts.
The post is based in the internationally leading Water Group in the School of Engineering but will work collaboratively with researchers from many other disciplinary backgrounds from Newcastle University, the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.
The post is available on a fixed term basis, for immediate start the post is funded for 6 months.
For further information on The School of Engineering please click here.
For further information surrounding this research please click here.
To apply, please complete an online application, upload a CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should be a detailed supporting statement outlining why you are a good fit for the role. Please explain how you meet the essential criteria outlined below and evidence this with examples.
For informal queries please contact Vassilis Glenis vassilis.glenis@newcastle.ac.uk
Key Accountabilities
- Design, develop, and implement machine learning models for the automated detection of drainage infrastructure from street-level images
- Build models that identify debris and blockages in urban drainage systems.
- Analyse and preprocess large datasets of street-level images for model training and validation
- Collaborate with flood modelling and urban infrastructure teams to integrate ML outputs into broader flood risk assessment frameworks
- Continuously evaluate model performance and improve its accuracy and efficiency
- Document project progress, report results, and present findings to stakeholders
- Stay up to date with the latest machine learning techniques and tools, particularly in the field of computer vision
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Proven experience with machine learning model design and implementation, particularly in computer vision tasks (image classification, object detection)
- Strong programming skills in Python, and familiarity with libraries such as TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch, or similar
- Experience working with large datasets and applying data preprocessing techniques (e.g., image augmentation, normalization)
- Knowledge of urban drainage systems or civil infrastructure is a plus, but not required
- Experience in analysing and identifying anomalies, such as blockages or debris in images, is highly desirable
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently
- Ability to communicate complex technical ideas effectively with non-technical stakeholders
Attributes and Behaviour
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Excellent interpersonal skills to build trust with collaborating groups
- Good planning, organisational and time management skills
Qualifications
- A Bachelor\’s or Master\’s degree in a relevant subject e.g. Engineering, Maths, Computer Science
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 28272
Contact Us #J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Assistant in Data Science employer: Newcastle University
Contact Detail:
Newcastle University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Data Science
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest machine learning techniques, especially in computer vision. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of data science and urban infrastructure. Attend relevant workshops or webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn about their experiences, which can give you insights into the role and the team dynamics.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with large datasets and machine learning models in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of projects you've worked on, particularly those involving image classification or object detection.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to Vassilis Glenis for informal queries about the role. This shows your initiative and genuine interest in the position, plus it could provide you with valuable information that sets you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Data Science
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and required skills. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific tasks, such as developing machine learning models and working with large datasets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be a detailed supporting statement. Clearly explain why you are a good fit for the role by addressing the essential criteria outlined in the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your experience with machine learning, particularly in computer vision tasks. Include any relevant projects or roles where you designed and implemented models, and mention your programming skills in Python and familiarity with libraries like TensorFlow or Keras.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in research roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with machine learning models, particularly in computer vision. Highlight specific projects where you've implemented techniques using Python and libraries like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous projects, especially those involving data analysis or anomaly detection.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role involves collaborating with non-technical stakeholders, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. This will show your ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams.
✨Research the University and Its Values
Familiarise yourself with Newcastle University's mission and values, especially their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their inclusive environment.
