Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months.

We are seeking a computer scientist with experience in both embedded systems and/or sensing systems and AI algorithms, who is interested in working at the interface between computer science and zoology for a project on biodiversity monitoring.  They will join the Energy and Environment Group in the Department of Computer Science and Technology and collaborate closely not only with faculty and students in the Department of Zoology and the Department of Plant Sciences but also Nokia Bell Laboratories, Cambridge, a leading lab working in the areas of Future Devices, Mobile Sensing and Systems, Embedded Machine Learning, and Internet of Things research.

The candidate will be part of the Cambridge Centre for Landscape Regeneration (CLR), https://www.clr.conservation.cam.ac.uk/ funded through the Natural Environment Research Council's Changing the Environment programme.  CLR aims to provide the evidence needed to the UK government to fulfill its ambitions to bring back more nature to British countryside and deliver more ecosystem services than is current the case.  The programme is focusing initially on two contrasting landscapes: the East Anglian fenland (primarily used for productive agriculture) and the Scottish Highlands (traditionally used for deer stalking and forestry plantations). 

The project aims to design and implement an ultra-low power ML system on energy-autonomous devices (camera, microphone, and low-fidelity sensors) for biodiversity monitoring  (especially insects). The project will leverage existing energy-autonomous devices, such as Nokia Bell Labs camera battery-less camera prototype.

(https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3384419.3430782) 

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in sensors, embedded systems and low-power ML  algorithms, with some experience with field data capture and a keen interest in applying computer science to conservation issues.

Essential

- A PhD in Computer Science /Electrical and Electronics Engineering

- A good understanding of embedded system design, sensor systems and AI.

- Practical experience in designing and developing hardware prototypes

- At least two publications in reputable international journals

- Willingness to work in a large interdisciplinary team addressing practical problem

- Communications skills

Desirable

- Motivated by an interest in conserving nature

- Training in community ecology and biodiversity science

- Willingness to engage in some biodiversity field work

- Driving license

Successful candidates will hold (or be close to completing) a PhD.  Appointment at research associate level is dependent on having a PhD or having equivalent skills and experience through non-academic routes.  Where a PhD has yet to be awarded appointment will initially be made as a research assistant and amended to research associate when the PhD is awarded. 

Informal enquires can be directed to Srinivasan Keshav - sk818@cam.ac.uk

Please upload a CV, covering letter and your most relevant recent paper.  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 quote reference NR36087 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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