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Research Assistant Vacancies (PRIVI-SENSE)

Research Assistants – PRIVI-SENSE

Research Assistants (2)  – PRIVI-SENSE

School of Engineering – Center for Computational, Cognitive & Connected Imaging (C31) 

HR Ref. No. 010720: Research Assistant x2 - PRIVI-SENSE

JOB ADVERTISEMENT

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for full-time,  research assistant positions. These are initially offered on a fixed-term 24 month contract at the University of Galway, with possibility for renewal for a further 12 months.   

This position is funded by the Irish Research Council, Advanced Laureate program and is available from early Jan 2025.

The C3I Center is led by the #1 Irish Researcher in the field of Computer Science/Engineering, Prof. Peter Corcoran.  Research at C3I spans a wide range of topics in Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence. Applications of this research can be found in consumer devices, automotive systems and, most recently smart-toys. Details on recent research are available in the projects and publications sections of the C3I website. The group works with industry to apply state-of-art Edge-AI solutions, develop improved training  methodologies and prove the validity and evaluate the performance of emerging data-synthesis techniques. 

 The PRIVI-SENSE project is investigating novel combinations of multimodal imaging – near-Infrared (NIR), thermal-Infrared (LWIR) and neuro-morphic (event-camera) imaging technologies processed by AI networks, to infer actions or detect subtle thermal or biometric events related to a human subject. The combination of AI with multi-modal imaging of a scene/subject enables subtle understanding and sensing without creating images or video of a human subject that might accidently violate their data privacy. The core goal is to demonstrate the feasibility to process and analyse imaging data locally to better sense and understand how to interact with the human subject while avoiding the creation of of video/image data and the need to upload store and process such data in the cloud.

 Salary: These posts are offered from point 8-15 on the Research Assistant scale. €35,016- € 42,473 per annum, and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts. The offer will be dependent on the candidates experience and suitability for the post. Exceptional candidates may be considered for appointment at Research Associate level.

 Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on 10/11/2024. Interviews are planned for mid/end November. (Applications may be considered after this closing date if the positions are not filled – status will be updated on the C3I website.)

 (For HR use)*Please review full job description for further details and essential requirement (core) / For the full job description and information on how to apply, please see: Jobs - University of Galway (external)

JOB DESCRIPTION

The successful candidates will work on one of two core research topics/workpackages within the PRIVI-SENSE project.

  • Facial analysis, will include research into multi-modal sensing of faces for user authentication and sensing of facial expressions and motions. (RA #1)
  • Human Activity analysis will encompass research into multi-modal sensing of human activities with as focus on indoor environments. (RA #2)

Research activities will be determined within the project team and under guidance from a Research Fellow and Post-Doctoral researcher working on the project. A background in deep learning and neural network models is essential with some experience in working with   

Successful candidates will perform training of a range of advanced neural models and execute a range of performance testing on these models. Some generation and both manual and automated annotation of synthetic data samples will comprise part of this activity. Experience with deep learning frameworks such as Pytorch and TensorFlow is essential. A background in computer vision or equivalent advanced signal processing with neural network models is essential. Some experience in technical report writing and/or drafting of research papers is also essential. Candidates are expected to have near native fluency in the English language.

When applying candidates should clearly indicate if their background and experience is better aligned with RA #1 or #2.

Duties: The successful candidates will perform the following activities.

  • Conduct literature and database searches and interpret and present the findings of the literature searches to the team as appropriate.
  • Actively participate as a member of the PRIVI-SENSE research team and assist the team to conduct experiments and evaluate new neural models.
  • Write up results from their research activity (e.g. as periodic project reports) for review by PI, including preparing technical reports, conclusions and recommendations.
  • Contribute to the publication of findings.
  • Provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, book) as directed by the PI/project leader.
  • Any other duties assigned commensurate to this level of post

 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

 Essential Requirements:

  • Primary degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science or Mathematics.
  • Research Masters degree (2 year, 120 ECTS), or taught Master degree with relevant project experience.
  • Strong programming background with experience working with deep learning frameworks such as Pytorch or TensorFlow.
  • Project level experience with computer vision or equivalent advanced signal processing, based on neural network models.
  • Good fluency in technical English, both spoken and written.

Desirable Requirements:

  • Project or work experience with advanced neural networking techniques or architectures (autoencoders, GANs, Transformers, Diffusion models, Model fine-tuning, Ablation Studies, Spiking NNs, etc).
  • Data Analytics experience with building, annotating or cleaning of research datasets for computer vision, advanced signal analysis or equivalent.
  • Co-authored research publications in recognized peer-reviewed conferences or journals (the candidate is not expected to be lead author).
  • Relevant experience with embedded systems or devices such as Raspberry PI, Jetson Nano or equivalent (ideally computer vision or signal-processing based project work on such systems).
  • Experience with generative data techniques

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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. Exceptional candidates may be offered the opportunity to register for PhD studies based on the research work undertaken as part of PRIVI-SENSE.

 

Further Information/Links