Postdoctoral Researcher: eXtended Reality (XR) and Knowledge Graphs, Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics (University of Galway 070-24)

27 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Galway

Research Field

Computer science » Other

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Ireland

Application Deadline

10 Apr 2024 - 17:00 (Europe/London)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Applications are invited from suitable candidates for one full-time, fixed-term, 18-month contract position as Postdoctoral Researchers with the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics at the University of Galway.  

The position is part-funded through the Insight Centre for Data Analytics, Openverse, and DSSC projects funded by the European Union and is available from 01.04.2024 to contract end date of 31.09.25 

This position is highly interdisciplinary as it supports the advancement of XR, data and AI in Europe on an unprecedented scale with a European approach to that optimizes economic benefits combined with European values. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to perform research and development in the area of eXtended Reality (XR – Augmented and Virtual Reality), Knowledge Graphs, and data visualisation within an established group of researchers and PhD students with expertise in data and knowledge engineering, data analytics and large-scale data processing, as well as a long tradition of applying this expertise in various domains, including healthcare, education, sustainability, smart cities, privacy and digital humanities.   

Insight is the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre for Data Analytics. It is one of the largest data analytics centres in Europe. It seeks to derive value from Big Data and provides innovative technology solutions for industry and society by enabling better decision-making. It supports 450 researchers across the country in areas such as the Fundamentals of Data Science, Sensing and Actuation, Scaling Algorithms, Model Building, Multi Modal Analysis, Data Engineering and Governance, Decision Making and Trustworthy AI. More information on the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics is available at www.insight-centre.org   

Job Description: 

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the Data & XR landscape within Europe, research the design and development of novel XR-driven approaches for data spaces and support stakeholder awareness and education. In particular, the candidate will explore the potential of exploration and management of knowledge graphs through custom-designed immersive cross-platform virtual experiences. You will participate in cross-consortium meetings with academic and industry project partners and engage within external events with stakeholders in the European Data and XR Ecosystems. You will also link and collaborate with extended, broad range of XR experts from beyond Europe, including representatives of organisations and industries from the USA.  

The successful candidates will be based in the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics at the University of Galway. The candidates will be supported in their professional development, be able to avail of a range of career level focussed training opportunities, have the potential to publish research findings in leading journals and international events. 

Duties:  

The successful candidates will be expected to: 

• Research, design, and develop, interactive, immersive XR environments, based on the latest advancements. 

• Propose new and optimize existing approaches to 3D data visualisation and exploration to harness the benefits of immersive mode of engagement and ensure performance and efficiency of XR-driven data management and enhancing applicability across a wide range of domains. 

• Conduct research and develop innovative solutions using knowledge graphs to allow for the application of novel XR-driven paradigm for data exploration and management. 

• Conduct a programme of research at the intersection of XR, data spaces and knowledge graphs. 

• Establish principles and tools to support development of new approaches and practices in data spaces and XR collaboration with the European data and Metaverse communities. 

• Working with the team/independently to develop a proof of concept for validating research ideas/outcomes. 

• The project will involve international travel to consortium meetings and presentations of research at international conferences. 

• Produce top-quality journal and conference publications in collaboration with students and PIs. 

• Assist in the attraction of funding.   

• Provide support and advice to PhD students working on similar topics. 

• Assist the Principal Investigator in overseeing software and system development for various projects in the area of XR, knowledge graphs and data spaces.  

• Design and implementation of industrial prototype demonstrators. 

• Participate in Centre activities, including industry showcases, annual reviews and industry and agency visits. 

• Any other duties assigned commensurate to this level of post 

Qualifications/Skills required:  

Essential Requirements: 

• PhD Degree in computer science or a closely related discipline. 

• A proven track record of research performance, including publication and dissemination of results and collaborations. 

• Strong expertise in the area of eXtended Reality – Virtual Reality and/or Augmented Reality, or Media/3D Game development including Unity and/or Unreal Engine development and data visualisation. 

• Expertise in WebGL or WebXR development 

• Proficiency in classic RDBMS and knowledge graph-based solutions 

• Excellent communication and analytical skill. 

Desirable Requirements: 

• Understanding of storytelling and visualisation in XR or 3D Games 

• Experience in developing immersive XR of 3D Game development 

• Understanding and experience in designing WebGL and WebVR or WebXR experiences for Web & VR users 

• Knowledge of WebXR collaborative platforms such us Mozilla Hubs, or WebGL – Spatial.io 

• Understanding of Databases technologies and data visualisation 

• Expertise in Semantic Web and Linked Data 

• Experience in development using web-technologies,  

• Experience in research projects and academic-Industrial research collaborations. 

• Previous experience working on European Union (EU) projects will be an advantage. 

Salary: Postdoctoral Researcher pay scale €42,782 - €54,965 per annum, (subject to the project’s funding limitations), and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts.   

The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, and consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the payscale (subject to the project’s funding limitations), where evidence of prior years’ equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale.  

Research Salary Scales - University of Galway).  

Start date: The position is available immediately. 

Continuing Professional Development/Training: 

Researchers at University of Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans. University of Galway provides continuing professional development supports for all researchers seeking to build their own career pathways either within or beyond academia.  Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon commencing employment - see HERE  for further information. 

Further information on research and working at University of Galway is available on Research at University of Galway  

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie   

Further information about {school/centre} is available at www.insight-centre.org  

Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr Lukasz Porwol [email protected] or Christiane Leahy-Coen, [email protected]   

To Apply: 

Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to [email protected] or [email protected]   

Please put reference number University of Galway 070-24 in subject line of e-mail application. 

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm (Irish Time) 10th April 2024 

We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post. 

University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer. 

All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment

Requirements

Research Field

Computer science » Other

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University of Galway

Country

Ireland

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

State/Province

Ireland

City

Galway

Website

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/

Street

University Road

Postal Code

H91 TK33

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED