Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed Term)

Location: Jubilee Campus

Deep learning is changing the way we look at plants. Plants are extremely challenging subjects for computer vision, individuals may look very similar, but may exhibit large variation in how effectively they grow. The Delivering Sustainable Wheat programme is a co-ordinated and collaborative initiative between multiple institutions to address critical challenges in wheat health, yield, and production. The project brings together crop scientists, geneticists, and computer scientists to explore cutting-edge ways to further our understanding of this important species. This project will use deep learning to identify and measure important crop traits, predicting key measures such as health and yield.

The project will make use of advanced imaging technologies across the partner institutions, including UAV drone imagery, hyperspectral images, CT scans and 3D point cloud data. The imaging platforms can capture hundreds of gigabytes of data per day, therefore modern AI techniques are essential if we are to efficiently keep up with this.

We are looking to fill a post-doctoral researcher position which will develop new deep learning technologies for the analysis of plants different imaging modalities. A key focus will be around aerial and hyperspectral images, where often hundreds of wavelengths of light can be measured for a highly detailed view of fields. We are also interested in the 3D structure of plants captured from above using LIDAR, or in CT. We will work closely with our project partners Rothamsted Research (www.rothamsted.ac.uk) and the Earlham Institute (www.earlham.ac.uk).

The candidate should have (or nearly have completed) a PhD in a computer vision or a deep learning-related subject. The ability to work in an interdisciplinary team will be essential, ideally evidenced by previous work on interdisciplinary projects. The ability to develop new CNN models/architectures, as well as use existing architectures, will be desirable. Knowledge of how these networks might be shared and deployed by scientists across institutions would be beneficial.

The candidate will primarily be based in the School of Computer Science, Jubilee Campus at the University of Nottingham, but may be required to spend some time at Rothamsted Research, Harpenden.

This is a fixed term opportunity available until 31/03/2026. Hours of work are full-time (36.25 hours); however, applications are also welcome from candidates wishing to work part-time (minimum 29 hours per week). Please specify in your application if you wish to work part time and the number of preferred hours. Job share arrangements may also be considered.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

The position is based in the School of Computer Science on our Jubilee Campus in Nottingham.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr. Michael Pound at michael.pound@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

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