Research Assistant in Computer Science

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.

Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here .

The Department

The department of Computer Science is one of the very best UK departments of Computer Science with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. The department was ranked 20^th 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

The postholder will join a multi-disciplinary project team to develop and evaluate rehabilitation technologies. The successful candidate is expected to have experience of developing and evaluating machine learning methods, experience in Python programming language with machine learning APIs would be an advantage, knowledge of software development is desirable. The candidate is expected to have good oral and written communication skills, including the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment. Experience with deep learning methods, statistical modelling are highly desirable skills for this role. Track record of high-quality publications would be an advantage. The project “Technology Supported Rehabilitation Impact Evaluation Study” led by Professor Monekosso aims to evaluate existing capability 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 or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To assist in contributing to support student projects on the use of research methods and equipment.

This post is fixed term for up to 24 months; funding is available for this role for a fixed term only.

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 his/her 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 In June 2023.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 39 days per year.
• We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site nursery is available and children’s clubs in the summer holidays.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
• If you are moving to Durham, we can help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

Contact Information

Department contact for academic-related enquiries

For informal enquiries please contact Prof Dorothy Monekosso ( dorothy.monekosso@durham.ac.uk ). All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application

If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to  e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk

Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).

How to Apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.

Submitting your application

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

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.

We will notify you on the status of your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails.

Next Steps

Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will normally include a presentation describing a research project for which you were the primary researcher, and a test on generic programming, mathematics and statistics if not evidenced through qualifications; and we anticipate that the assessments and interviews will take place over two days in May 2023.

In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement https://www.durham.ac.uk/about-us/governance/information-governance/privacy-notices/privacy-notices/job-applicants/ which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Qualifications :

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

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

Desirable Criteria:

A PhD (or be close to submission) in computer science, machine learning, computer vision, or a related subject.

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 or augmented reality.

Prior exposure to or experience of research and innovation in healthcare technologies.

Ability to contribute to the planning and management of independent research.