Research Assistant 1 - Core Server-Side R&D for IMAGE Project

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Position Summary:

We are seeking a part-time (20 hours/week) Research Assistant to take on a research & development role in the Shared Reality Lab’s open source IMAGE project (image.a11y.mcgill.ca), focused on making photos, charts, and maps available to people who are blind or low vision. We have funding pending for a one-year project with Humanware, a leading provider of solutions for people who are blind or low vision, to prototype compelling experiences for users of their upcoming Monarch Android pin array tablet (https://www.humanware.com/en-usa/monarch). You will work with a multidisciplinary team of user experience researchers, designers, and developers who will support you in designing and implementing server-side support for the features in our statement of work. You will primarily work with the existing development lead to partition the work based on your skills and interests.

Key areas include:

• Work with lead developer and machine learning architect to design, implement, integrate, and test code that extracts useful information from visual media (photos, textbook diagrams, etc) and puts it in a JSON format for use in implementing end-user audio and haptic experiences.
• Design and implement code that automatically creates end-user experiences for the Monarch device, working with graduate students and other researchers to help them turn their prototypes into deployable solutions.
• Document and create example code to help others use the IMAGE platform efficiently.
• Maintain project test and production Linux servers, and assist team members with issues in testing and deployment. Create and maintain usage metrics and generate regular reports.
• Fix bugs as raised by team members and end users.
• Review and merge code from students and other team members.
• Take on additional development tasks from current developer lead, on an as-needed basis.
• Contribute to academic publications resulting from work on the project.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree.

The ideal candidate would have a solid technical foundation that will allow them to creatively and proactively contribute to strengthening the IMAGE platform in multiple areas. Although we list many requirements below, we do not expect the candidate to be expert in all of them. If you are weak in some areas, but are a quick learner, please apply, since we can work with you to fill in specific gaps.

Requirements:

• Software architecture, design, and documentation, including creating usable solutions for developers designers
• Linux command line
• Familiar with (or able to quickly learn) Docker, containerization, network layer designs, client/server design
• Git, and Github flow method of raising and merging pull requests
• Testing and deployment (e.g., github actions, CI/CD pipelines, code review)
• Python
• Javascript
• JSON schema definition
• Mentoring junior designers/developers
• Quebec resident (mandatory)
• Bonus: able to work on-site at McGill at least one day/week
• Bonus: Experience writing conference and journal papers and presenting results in academic venues
• Bonus: French, spoken and/or written
• Bonus: Experience working with the blind/low vision community

To apply for any of the above positions, please include the following items in your application:

• A brief letter of application, describing your qualifications and relevant experience to the position of interest, along with your dates of availability.
• Detailed CV with links to online papers and/or project portfolios.
• Two (2) reference letters (sent separately).

Informal inquiries are welcome by emailing Jeremy Cooperstock :.

The positions are available immediately, with an initial appointment of up to one year.

The Shared Reality Lab  conducts research in audio, video, and haptic technologies, building systems that leverage their capabilities to facilitate and enrich both human-computer and computer-mediated human-human interaction. The lab is part of the Centre for Intelligent Machines  and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering  of McGill University . McGill, one of Canada's most prestigious universities, is located in Montreal, a top city to live in , especially for students.

Hourly Salary:

$31.20

Hours per Week:

20 (Part time)

Location:

McConnell Eng. Bldg.

Supervisor:

Professor

Position Start Date:

2024-03-22

Position End Date:

2025-04-30

Deadline to Apply:

2024-04-25

This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement.

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected] .