Research Trainee

Department
Computer ScienceSalary£32,080 per yearGradeGrade 5Contract statusFixed termHours of workPart-timeBased atUniversity of York campusInterview dateTo be confirmedPosted Date09/10/2025Apply by16/10/2025Job Reference14460Documents

• Job Description (14460).pdf (PDF, 321.94kb)
  

Role DescriptionDepartmentThe Department of Computer Science at the University of York has been a centre of excellence in teaching and research for over fifty years. We are a top 10 UK computer science department and a top 10 university (as ranked by the Times Higher) in the most recent national HE research assessment exercise (REF 2021). Also, the University of York has a Gold TEF teaching award. As such, we are one of only four universities in the UK that have both top 10 REF and gold TEF.The project offers a fixed-term Research Trainee contract until 30 June 2026, focused on the development of a data quality analysis and robot control system for monitoring the growth and health of aquaculture species. The project aims to evaluate the use of underwater cameras attached to a drone to monitor the growth and health of aquaculture species. Its objectives are to improve the data quality of the video image captured from underwater environment using deep learning and computer vision, and to design a control algorithm to manoeuvre the drone, allowing the camera to provide sufficient information to represent the behaviour and its morphology.Role

The Main Purposes Of This Role Include

• To conduct research under the supervision of senior colleagues and to contribute to the production of research
• To provide support to the research project, undertaking research work within the overall programme and assisting with the day to day operation of the project
• To assist in the identification and development of potential areas of research and the development of proposals for independent or collaborative research projects
  

It is a multi-disciplinary project, so evidence of the ability to engage in scientific research and work collaboratively as part of a team is required. Experience in relevant areas, including robot control, motion/path planning, computer vision, image processing and analysis (object detection and segmentation), machine learning, hardware, and experience in developing software, would be crucial. Applicants with extensive practical experience using deep learning with Pytorch or TensorFlow are particularly welcome.

Skills, Experience & Qualification Needed

• First degree in Computer Science, Engineering or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of robot control, motion/path planning, computer vision, image processing and analysis, and machine learning
• Knowledge of a range of research techniques and methodologies
  

Interview date: To be confirmed
For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Pengcheng Liu (email: pengcheng.liu@york.ac.uk)The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork