Research Assistant in Computer Science

Durham University

 Durham University is one of the world's top universities with strengths across the Arts and Humanities, Sciences and Social Sciences. We are home to some of the most talented scholars and researchers from around the world who are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives.

The University sits in a beautiful historic city where it shares ownership of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Durham Cathedral, the greatest Romanesque building in Western Europe. A collegiate University, Durham recruits outstanding students from across the world and offers an unmatched wider student experience.

Less than 3 hours north of London, and an hour and a half south of Edinburgh, County Durham is a region steeped in history and natural beauty. The Durham Dales, including the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are home to breathtaking scenery and attractions. Durham offers an excellent choice of city, suburban and rural residential locations. The University provides a range of benefits including pension and childcare benefits and the University’s Relocation Manager can assist with potential schooling requirements.

Durham University seeks to promote and maintain an inclusive and supportive environment for work and study that assists all members of our University community to reach their full potential. Diversity brings strength and we welcome applications from across the international, national and regional communities that we work with and serve.

 The Department

The Department of Computer Science is one of the very best UK Departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. The department was ranked 20th in REF2021 with 97% of research outputs rated world-leading or internationally excellent, 100% of impact case studies rated world-leading or internationally excellent and 100% of environment rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

The Role

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant in Computer Science with a particular emphasis on machine learning, image and video processing, virtual / augmented reality. The research project “Technology Supported Rehabilitation Impact Evaluation Study” led by Professor Monekosso aims to evaluate and augment the functional capability and usability of a system designed to support rehabilitation for stroke survivors. The project builds on the outcome of a precursor project in which a prototype system was developed. The work will be conducted in collaboration with clinicians.

The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to development and evaluation.

Responsibilities:

• To work with clinical collaborators to understand the clinical and patient needs in relation to stroke rehabilitation
• To analyse or undertake basic research by deciding how best to apply existing methodology for assessing the function, safety and usability of the device.
• To develop and refine the device based on feedback
• To understand and convey information which needs careful explanation to technical and medical professionals as well as lay persons through presentations, discussions and meetings which contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
• To write up results of research work, present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research in a clear and accurate manner.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses.

This post is fixed term for up to 16 months; funding is available until the project's end date on 29/04/2024 for this fixed period only. Additional funding may be available to extend the role by a further 12 months.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in their own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

  Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by the end of 2022. 

How to Apply

 For informal enquiries please contact Professor Dorothy Monekosso ([email protected] ).  All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence. 

 We prefer to receive applications online via the Durham University Vacancies Site. https://www.dur.ac.uk/jobs/ . As part of the application process, you should provide details of 3 (preferably academic/research) referees and the details of your current line manager so that we may seek an employment reference.

 Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in the University.

 What to Submit

 All applicants are asked to submit: 

• A CV and covering letter which details your experience, strengths and potential in the requirements set out above;
• Two peer reviewed publications

 Next Steps

 The assessment for the post will include a presentation describing a research project for which they were the primary researcher, and a test on generic programming, mathematics and statistics (if not evidenced through qualifications). Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview and assessment on or around 7th-9th November 2022.

• A good first degree in computer science, computer engineering or a related subject.
• A Masters in computer science.
• Experience in conducting basic academic research or providing research assistance, including the use of standard research methods.
• Demonstrable ability to produce concise and well-written reports for a range of stakeholders.
• Experience in machine learning, deep learning, image and video processing, virtual/augmented reality.
• Experience in programming in languages such as python.
• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
• Ability to manage time effectively and work to strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to liaise with a range of stakeholders including project partners from senior NHS medical staff, and medical school collaborators.

• A PhD (or be close to submission) in computer science, machine learning or computer vision.
• Experience of conducting high quality academic research.
• Experience of preparing academic papers.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience in machine learning, deep learning, image and video processing or virtual/augmented reality.
• Prior exposure to/experience of research and innovation in healthcare technologies.
• Ability to contribute to the planning and management of independent research.