Research Assistant in Bayesian Imaging

Directorate: School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences

Salary: Grade 6 (£30,505-£35,880)

Contract Type: Part Time (0.2FTE), Fixed Term (6 Months)

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). 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.

Detailed Description 

We are looking for candidates to work on Project BLOOM: Bayesian computation for low-photon imaging, at the prestigious Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences in Edinburgh, UK.  

The aim of the project is to develop a new mathematical and computational framework to solve challenging inverse problems related to low-photon imaging, with special attention to new quantum-enhanced imaging technologies that exploit the quantum nature of light on order to dramatically advance imaging sciences. The framework is rooted in the Bayesian statistical paradigm and combines modern ideas from applied analysis, high-dimensional computational statistics, and machine learning. The project is funded by UKRI EPSRC (EP/V006134/1 and EP/V006177/1). 

We are particularly keen to encourage applicants with scientific software development skills. The ability to produce high-quality Python code using machine learning frameworks is essential. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities  

The Research Assistant will work on the EPSRC Project (EP/V006134/1 and EP/V006177/1): Bayesian computation for low-photon imaging. The successful appointee will be expected to undertake the following: 

• Produce Pytorch implementations of BLOOM algorithms, with appropriate documentation and demonstration notebooks. 
• Integrate BLOOM algorithms within the Deepinverse library (https://deepinv.github.io/deepinv/). 
• Contribute to scientific events and outreach activities. 
• Engaging in wider learning and career developing opportunities. 

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve. A flexible working schedule may be required to meet all key duties and responsibilities. 

We will measure applicants based on the essential criteria, not by the key duties. 

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Hold (or be about to obtain) a BSc in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Vision, or a related discipline. 
• Good scientific programming skills in Python. 
• Machine learning development using the PyTorch ML framework. 
• Enthusiam for the project, capable of self-directed work, and with the ability to think creatively and innovatively. 

Desirable

• Ability to communicate complex research findings clearly in writing or by oral presentation. 

About our Team 

The Research Assistant will work with Marcelo Pereyra (PI), Kostas Zygalakis (Co-I), and Yoann Altmann (Co-I). Marcelo Pereyra is based at the School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences of Heriot-Watt University, Kostas Zygalakis is based at the School of Mathematics of the University of Edinburgh, and Yoann Altmann is based at the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences of Heriot-Watt University. 

The Research Assistant will benefit from the excellent research environment of the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences in Edinburgh, which is a unique research collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh, as well as from strong interactions with the Heriot-Watt School of Engineering and Physical Sciences. 

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV.

Applications can be submitted until midnight on Tuesday 17th December 2024.

Candidates can make informal enquiries about this position to Marcelo Pereyra (m.pereyra@hw.ac.uk). 

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. 

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/ . 

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

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.