Research Associate

Role Description

You will be working under the guidance of Professor Richard Wilson in the area of Geometric Deep Learning. Geometric deep learning is the generalisation of ideas from deep neural networks to problems on graphs, networks and meshes. Examples include drug design, shape modelling, protein interactions and understanding social networks. The goal of the project is to develop new algorithms for deep learning with this kind of data.

The work will have two main themes; the application of spectral methods to deep learning for graphs, and generative models which can provide new samples from a dataset. This area has been little explored by the machine learning community so far. We aim to combine ideas from graph convolutional networks, spectral graph theory and graph representation to build more effective algorithms with richer features.

The ideal candidate for the role will have a solid background in programming and mathematics, and experience of using deep learning on large datasets. The work will involve research skills, problem solving and technical ability in implementation.

Main purpose of the role

• To conduct research under the supervision of senior colleagues and to contribute to the production of research.
• To assist in the identification and development of potential areas of research and the development of proposals for independent or collaborative research projects.

Key responsibilities

(Role holders will be required to undertake some or all of the duties below.)

• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects, duties to include: analysis and interpretation of research data; use of appropriate research techniques and methods; writing up of research results and dissemination through publications, seminar and conference presentations and public engagement and outreach activities; contributing to the identification of possible new areas of research.
• To contribute to the preparation of research proposals and applications to external bodies.
• To undertake appropriate organisational and administrative activities connected to the research project, including conference organisation, and the development of promotional or educational material including website maintenance and development.
• To develop and initiate collaborative working internally and externally, duties to include: the building of internal contacts and participation in internal networks; collaboration with colleagues on joint projects as required; participation in and identification of external networks in order to share information and identify potential opportunities for collaboration and possible sources of funding; attendance at and contribution to relevant meetings.
• To provide guidance to other staff and students, as required, as well as coordinating the work of small research teams.
• To assist with undergraduate teaching in own area of expertise.

Interview date: To be confirmed.

For informal enquiries: please contact Richard Wilson (richard.wilson@york.ac.uk).

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