Research Assistant/Associate in Image Processing for Medical Applications (Fixed Term)

Department/Location: Department of Engineering, Central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK 

A position exists, for a Research Assistant/Associate, in the Department of Engineering as part of the Signal Processing and Communications Laboratory. The post holder will be located in Central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK. 

The researcher will work on the Meerkat project, a collaboration between the Departments of Engineering and Paediatrics, that aims to develop a non-contact camera-based monitoring system for babies in intensive care. Computer vision algorithms will be used to measure vital signs and detect seizures and other abnormal movements of the infant to ultimately improve monitoring and enhance clinical care. 

The project will also include data collection from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the development of an integrated unit that includes the imaging and analysis hardware. The unit will be co-developed with input from nurses, other clinical staff, and parents. 

Key functions of the role include: 

• Developing an integrated device including imaging and processing hardware for use in the NICU.
• Engaging with clinical staff to drive the project in a patient-focussed manner.
• Developing image processing and machine learning algorithms for neonatal monitoring. 

Skills required include: 

• Programming skills in languages such as Python, C/C++, or other language suitable for an embedded system.
• Experience in applied image processing or machine learning.
• Experience in system design, such as engineering in a multidisciplinary context, software for autonomous devices, or user-focussed product design.

Experience in clinical work is desirable. The successful candidate will have obtained, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in Engineering or equivalent relevant discipline. Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges:

Research Assistant: £27,929 - £32,348

Research Associate: £34,308 - £42,155

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 October 2025 in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/39342.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter and a research publications list in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact: Angel Loo, email div-f@eng.cam.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 1223 332711. For queries of a technical nature, please contact: Professor Joan Lasenby, jl221@cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference NM35266 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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