At a Glance
- Tasks: Support groundbreaking research in generative AI and computer vision for sign language translation.
- Company: Join a top-rated research department with strong industry connections.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation assistance, and access to world-class research facilities.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and contribute to innovative projects in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on AI tools that enhance communication for the Deaf community.
- Qualifications: PhD preferred; extensive software development experience in research is essential.
The predicted salary is between 37694 - 56535 £ per year.
The Centre for Vision, Speech, and Signal Processing is seeking to recruit a Research Software Engineer to support major research projects in generative AI, computer vision and LLM development. You will join an established research group within a highly rated research department, with an excellent computing and software infrastructure for first class research, modern facilities and close links with industry.
Surrey's Institute for People‐Centred AI builds on 40 years of work into foundational AI at the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP) which is ranked 1st in the UK for Computer Vision and in the top‐5 for both Audio‐Visual AI and Robotics (CS Rankings, 2025).
The post sits within Professor Bowden's sign language research group at CVSSP, which leads a portfolio of major collaborative projects developing AI for sign languages. These include:
- SignGPT, a five‐year EPSRC Programme Grant with the University of Oxford and UCL building tools to translate automatically between spoken language and photo‐realistic sign language video in both directions;
- UMCS, a UK and Japan collaboration developing real‐time sign language translation in everyday conversation;
- A Google.org‐funded project reducing the cost of sign language translation through AI.
Responsibilities
- Support and contribute to related research across the group, working on data management, front end demonstration software, AI model training, inference and prediction, and on the construction and maintenance of a visual language toolkit that supports the research collaboration and its dissemination activities.
- Engage in full‐stack software development to turn research models into usable tools and demonstrators, including back‐end development (REST/API services, databases, containerised deployment) and building web front‐ends to expose models and data.
- Collaborate with researchers, users of British Sign Language (BSL) and other sign languages, and external partners to deliver research outcomes to end users.
Qualifications
- PhD in a related area is preferred, but extensive experience of software development in a research environment is key.
- Good analytical and programming skills with experience of computer vision and machine learning.
- Previous experience of real‐time systems development in Python, PyTorch and deep learning is desirable.
- Experience with back‐end development (REST/API, databases, containerised deployment) and front‐end web development is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of sign language and awareness of Deaf culture would be advantageous; Deaf candidates with suitable experience are welcome to apply.
Terms and Benefits
- Full‐time, 3‐year term (extendable), salary range £37,694 – £56,535 per annum on Levels 4 and 5.
- Relocation assistance where appropriate.
- Access to world‐class research facilities, modern teaching infrastructure and staff development opportunities.
Please upload your CV and a covering letter.
Research Software Engineer in London employer: University of Surrey
The Centre for Vision, Speech, and Signal Processing offers an exceptional work environment for a Research Software Engineer, with access to cutting-edge research facilities and a collaborative culture that prioritises innovation in generative AI and computer vision. Employees benefit from strong professional development opportunities, a supportive team atmosphere, and the chance to contribute to impactful projects that enhance communication for sign language users. Located in Surrey, this role provides a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders and make a meaningful difference in the field of AI.
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Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
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