Last Date: 21-Jan-2024.
Post Details
Open ended
Fixed term for 27 months
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 21 January 2024
Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 12 February 2024
Expected start date will be Friday 01 March 2024
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2119.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
The Post
A cross-disciplinary team of researchers from the Universities of York, Stirling, Cardiff, Manchester, and Southampton are working together on an EPSRC-funded project, Edgy Organism, to develop a novel end-to-end neuromorphic design approach drawing inspiration from how data is processed and represented in the brain and build an efficient hardware architecture based on spiking neural networks (SNNs). The project aims to develop novel computing solutions, that can autonomously and reliably detect illegal or harmful activities in crowded public spaces, with minimum intrusion of personal space and privacy. We are recruiting a team of outstanding researchers from Visual Neuroscience, Psychology, Edge Computing, AI/ML, and Neuromorphic Engineering, to work with us on achieving Edgy Organism project’s ambitious objectives.
As part of this project, Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences is offering a fixed term (27 months) full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow position to work with Dr Elena Gheorghiu and the cross-disciplinary team of researchers.
Pre-employment screening
The successful candidate will be required to undergo security checks, to be carried out by the National Security Technology Innovation Exchange (NSTIx) before the appointment is confirmed.
Other information
Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Elena Gheorghiu, email: [email protected]
The post holders will join the Cognition in Complex Environments Research Group in Psychology.
http://www.stir.ac.uk/natural-sciences/research/groups/psychology/cognitive-neuroscience/
The inter-disciplinary Stirling Vision and Image Processing Special Interest Group http://vip.cs.stir.ac.uk/
Description of Duties
The successful applicant will be responsible for running the day-to-day aspects of the project. Principally, in this role you will:
- Design and implement novel object detection and tracking algorithms which are inspired by the organization of visual cortex and designed to automatically and adaptively learn spatial hierarchies of features
- Design and implement multi-depth learning system for pattern of life encoding and classification
- Design and implement novel neuromorphic computing architectures, focusing on artificial spiking neural networks, interfacing with edge sensors, and efficient hardware implementation
- Having regular meetings with team members and stakeholders to track progress, resolve any theoretical, technical, or analytical issues and discuss dissemination strategies
- Collaborate with the other project researchers to develop the demonstrator applications
- Conduct research, publish, and disseminate research through publications, conference presentations and public engagement
Essential Criteria
Qualifications
- PhD, or equivalent research experience, in Computer Vision/ Computer Science, Visual Neuroscience, Psychology, Physics, Electronic Engineering, Mathematics, or similar technical area
Research & Skills
- Excellent knowledge and skills in Convolutional Neural Networks, Artificial Neural Networks, Machine Learning, or Brain-inspired computing, including simulation and training methods
- Possess specialist knowledge in computer vision/ image processing/ object detection and tracking, and machine learning to work within established research programmes
- Evidence of excellent programming skills in Python, C++/C, MatLab or equivalent
- Evidence of excellent knowledge and skills in simulation systems development, including specification, design, programming (Python, C++/C, or equivalent) and testing
- Experience in developing image processing / computer vision algorithms for real-life applications
- Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
- Evidence of research productivity, such as writing papers for publication and report-writing
Attitudes & Behaviour
- Desire to work in a cross-disciplinary team
- Proven ability to establish rapport and interact effectively with colleagues
- Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to work independently/ manage own academic research and associated activities
- Ability to set and meet deadlines
Desirable Criteria
- Knowledge of a range of research techniques and methodologies, excellent research software development skills, including testing and integration with other tools
- Experience of carrying out both independent and collaborative research
- Attention to detail and commitment to high quality
- A developing body of publications in high-impact journals
Behaviours and Competencies
The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.
- Managing self and personal skills
Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly. - Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards. - Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation. - Embracing change
Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles. - Using resources effectively
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets. - Engaging with the wider context
Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values. - Developing self and others
Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential. - Working together
Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process. - Achieving Results
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
About Us
The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology, and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored, and tested. The most recent national assessment of research – REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union, and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland’s International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.
Psychology
Stirling Psychology delivers world class scientific research, coupled with innovative and reflective research-led teaching. In REF2021, we were rated 2nd in Scotland for research impact. We aim to foster basic research in the science of mind and behaviour, linked to direct impacts for society. Our research strategy focuses on the development of inter-disciplinary multi-methods approaches and our academics work collaboratively across three research themes: Cognition in Complex Environments; Behaviour & Evolution; and Health and Behaviour Change. A common thread across our research projects is a desire to develop theoretical understanding of behaviour in complex real-world settings. Psychology has invested heavily in research infrastructure, including our own Kindergarten. Purpose built laboratories provide support for health, human electrophysiology, face and vision research, mobile technology, virtual/augmented reality, and recent investment in a Lifespan Laboratory facilitate developmental and comparative research.
The University
The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.
More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University’s sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.
The University has twice been recognised with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).
The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.
www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni
