Research Community Manager (Deaf Communities)

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee. Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.  

The Role

The Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP) is seeking to recruit a Research Community Manager (Deaf Communities) to connect its research on AI for sign languages with the Deaf community. You will join an established research group within a highly rated research department, working alongside researchers, engineers and a project manager, with close links to Deaf community organisations, partner universities and industry.

The post sits within Professor Bowden's sign language research group at CVSSP, which leads a portfolio of collaborative projects developing AI for sign languages. These include SignGPT, a five-year EPSRC Programme Grant with the University of Oxford and University College London building tools to translate between spoken language and sign language video in both directions; UMCS, a UK and Japan collaboration developing real-time sign language translation in everyday conversation; and a Google.org-funded project reducing the cost of sign language translation through AI. The projects are committed to working with and for the Deaf community, and this new role will lead that work. 

You will build relationships with Deaf organisations and represent the projects at community events; run Deaf user groups and user evaluations of new technology; lead the recruitment of Deaf participants and co-ordinate data collection and recording sessions; and make the projects and their findings accessible through BSL videos, accessible materials and Deaf-facing social media. 

About You

Fluent British Sign Language and an in-depth knowledge of Deaf culture and the UK Deaf community are essential, along with experience of community engagement with Deaf people. A degree is not required where candidates have significant relevant experience. The post is offered at 0.5 FTE for upto 2 years (up to Nov 2028) in the first instance. Deaf candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. BSL/English interpreters will be provided for interviews, and we welcome requests for any other adjustments.

How to Apply

Please upload your CV and a covering letter on the University website, explaining how you meet the essential criteria in the job description.

Informal enquiries related to the project to Professor Richard Bowden by e-mail:r.bowden@surrey.ac.uk.

Further details

For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the 'apply online' button above.
 
In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate , flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all.  We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community.  Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

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