Research Associate in Computational Imaging

Role: Research Associate in Statistical Machine Learning for Computational Imaging

Grade and Salary: Grade 7, £37,174 - £46,735 per annum

FTE and working pattern: 1 FTE, 35hrs per week, Monday to Friday

Contract: Fixed Term for 24 Months

Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)

Purpose of Role

The School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at Heriot-Watt University is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher in statistical machine learning for computational imaging.

The position is open in the context of the 5-year research project “Learned Quantitative Stochastic Imaging”, led by Prof. Marcelo Pereyra with funding from a prestigious UKRI EPSRC Open Fellowship. This project aims to establish the mathematical and computational foundation for the next generation of breakthroughs in AI-based statistical imaging sciences. The goal is to improve dramatically the inferential power of future computational imaging systems, with a particular focus on advancing uncertainty quantification and model validation capabilities, which are essential for using restored image data as evidence for decision-making or as scientific evidence. This research will evolve and intimately combine modern computational imaging paradigms with ideas and techniques from statistical machine learning, especially around self-supervised learning and generative artificial intelligence. In addition to impactful research, the project features an ambitious stakeholder engagement program designed to inspire young people to pursue STEM careers, increase public understanding of uncertainty and risk, and engage the public with the ethical & sustainable AI agenda. 

The School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at Heriot-Watt University provides an ideal environment for this project and this postdoctoral research position. The University is at the heart of one of the largest and most vibrant imaging communities worldwide, covering the full spectrum of imaging research from new theory and methodology to sensor, instrument, and imaging techniques. Heriot-Watt University’s School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences is also part of the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, a major mathematical centre with world-class research in statistics and computational mathematics, and part of the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS), which supports and hosts international mathematical sciences workshops all year round. Furthermore, the School was recently awarded a Silver Award within the Athena Swan Charter (https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/equality-charters/athena-swan-charter) in recognition for its work to progress equality, diversity and inclusion in higher education and research. In addition, the University hosts the UK National Robotarium, a world-leading robotics and applied AI facility with a significant focus on imaging systems, as well as multiple doctoral training centres relevant to this project.

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups as well as applicants with caring responsibilities and others who often face nonvisible barriers. We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns including part-time working and job share options. There are no nationality restrictions for candidates applying for this position and we will also consider applications from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities

The postholder will conduct and disseminate original research aligned with the project, working closely with Prof. Marcelo Pereyra. They will benefit from a supportive and stimulating research group environment and culture, as well as from a comprehensive, individually tailored professional development plan. They will also have the opportunity to interact with leading scientists who collaborate on this project, including for example DR Andres Almansa (CRNS & Universite Paris Cite), Prof. Alain Durmus (Ecole Polytechnique), Dr. Abdul-Lateef Haji-Ali (Heriot-Watt University), Dr Tobias Liaudat (CEA Paris Saclay), Prof. Jason McEwen (University College London), Dr Julian Tachella (ENS Lyon), and Prof. Konstantinos Zygalakis (University of Edinburgh). The postholder will also be involved in the organisation and delivery of research workshops, industry sandpits, and public engagement events related to the project. In addition, they will have opportunity to assist with research supervision and gain teaching experience in higher education.

Essential & Desirable Criteria

Essential

1. PhD in electronic engineering, machine learning, applied mathematical sciences, or a closely related field. Candidates must have submitted their doctoral thesis before starting in post.
2. A track-record of achieving significant research results in the field of computational imaging, computer vision, signal processing, or a related field, as demonstrated by primary contributions to publications in leading journals and conferences, proportionate to stage in career. 
3. Evidence of strong statistical machine learning skills, including robust mathematical and statistical foundations, and proficiency in Python programming and deep learning frameworks.
4. Experience in training deep learning models for image generation or image restoration.
5. Proven ability to write clean, efficient, and well-documented scientific computing code.
6. Evidence of creativity, self-motivation, and independent critical thinking.
7. Ability to work independently and collaboratively, as well as excellent time management skills including the ability to prioritise workload.
8. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex research findings through technical reports and by oral presentation.
9. A strong commitment to adopting EDI principles in the workplace.

Desirable

1. Experience working in a multi-cultural environment.
2. Experience developing software in a Linux environment.
3. Experience running numerical experiments on shared HPC facilities (e.g., GPU clusters). 
4. Experience in team collaboration in software development and awareness of tools and best practice for effective collaboration.
5. Experience supervising research (e.g., in the context of MSc dissertations).
6. A good understanding of the state of the art in artificial intelligence models for image generation, architectures and training paradigms.
7. Interest in research outreach.
8. Awareness of the Open Science approach.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Friday 6th June 2025.

Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment.

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.  Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .

Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

About Heriot-Watt University

At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.