Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI-Driven Retinal Home Monitoring

at  Durham University

Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI-Driven Retinal Home Monitoring (Job Number: 24000970)
Department of Engineering
Grade 7: - £37,099 - £39,347 per annum
Fixed Term - Full Time
Contract Duration: 12 months
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Closing Date: 10-Jul-2024, 5:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

THIS POST IS FIXED TERM FOR 12 MONTHS DUE TO THE FUNDING AVAILABLE. THE PROJECT TIMELINE IS LIMITED AND WILL END BY DECEMBER 2025.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DEMONSTRATE WHEN YOU APPLY/PERSON SPECIFICATION

When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.
Your application should cover the following criteria:

QUALIFICATIONS

1. A PhD (or close to submission) in Bioengineering, Optics, Medical Physics, Machine Learning or closely related fields.

EXPERIENCE

1. Demonstrate ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills.
2. Experience in the application of machine learning for biomedical image analysis.
3. High level of analytical and problem-solving capability.
4. Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others.
5. Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly ranked journals.
6. Demonstrable ability to present research papers at international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.

SKILLS

1. High level programming skills in several languages, including python.
2. Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
3. Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
4. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

THE ROLE

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to engage in cutting-edge research applying AI/machine learning in biomedical image analysis, specifically utilising deep learning to create AI-based software solutions supporting the home-based Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) device. The development of the home scanner is in collaboration with our industrial partner, Siloton, who will provide direction and guidance on software implementation requirements and assist in demonstrating the technology on real devices.
The successful candidate will be responsible for key tasks such as utilising classification and segmentation models to understand hardware requirements for monitoring Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and designing and developing software to enhance the monitoring capabilities of home devices for macular disease.
The Postdoctoral Research Associate is expected to actively participate in regular project meetings, present and discuss results, guide research direction and decisions, and contribute to publications and conference presentations. Additionally, they may be involved in supervising Masters and doctoral students working on related projects within the team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that lead to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academics and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high-quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.