At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop deep learning algorithms for exciting applications like autonomous vehicles.
- Company: Durham University, committed to equality and diversity in a collaborative research environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth and support for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge research while growing your skills in AI and machine learning.
- Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science or Engineering, Python programming, and teamwork skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31236 - 36636 £ per year.
We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long‑term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.
Role Overview
The successful candidate will join Prof. Toby Breckon's research team to work on deep learning for anomaly and out‑of‑distribution detection across applications such as wide‑area visual surveillance, aviation security and autonomous vehicle sensing. The role involves applying cutting‑edge deep learning algorithms for object detection and tracking, anomaly detection, and other data understanding tasks across imaging modalities, developing software algorithms, managing own academic research and collaborating with external stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Understand and convey research information to the team through presentations, discussions and meetings, contributing to research reports and publications.
- Write up research results, present progress and outcomes to supervisory bodies in a clear and accurate manner.
- Analyse or undertake basic research by applying existing methodology according to context and objectives.
- Address problems that affect research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
- Liaise with research colleagues and external contacts to develop relationships for future collaboration.
- Contribute to the planning of research projects.
- Assist in supporting student projects on research methods and equipment usage.
- Foster a collegial and respectful working environment inclusive and welcoming for all.
- Engage in wider citizenship to support the department and field.
- Engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and courses.
- Develop, implement and validate computer software including deliverables for external collaborators.
- Document and maintain software using established practices.
Qualifications
- Good first degree in Computer Science or Engineering related subject or equivalent experience.
- Master's in Computer Science or Engineering related subject or equivalent experience.
- Experience conducting basic academic research or providing research assistance, including use of standard research methods.
- Demonstrable ability to produce concise and well‑written reports for multiple stakeholders.
- Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
- Strong time‑management, ability to meet strict deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Experience in intermediate to advanced Python programming and at least one mainstream deep learning framework.
- PhD (or close to submission) in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field with emphasis on computer vision and/or machine learning.
- Experience conducting high‑quality academic research.
- Experience preparing academic papers.
- Experience with Linux operating system, ROS and/or working with robots and sensor systems.
Benefits
- Salary: £31,236 – £36,636 per annum.
- Contract: 24‑month fixed term full time.
- Working arrangement: flexible with weekly on‑site meetings.
- Annual leave: 27 days plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days – total 39 days.
- Pension: automatically enrolled in the University Superannuation Scheme.
- Parking, cycle‑to‑work scheme, public transport discounts, electric vehicle lease scheme.
- Professional development: dedicated time and training courses.
- Health and wellbeing support, gym facilities, Employee Assistance Programme.
- On‑site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted; holiday camps for children 5‑16.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Durham University is committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and values. We actively work to create an inclusive environment and welcome applications from under‑represented groups.
Research Assistant - Computer Vision and Machine Learning (Visual-AI) in North East employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises equality, diversity, and professional development. As a Research Assistant in the Computer Science department, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and access to outstanding health and wellbeing resources, all while contributing to cutting-edge research in computer vision and machine learning.
