Applications are invited for a Lecturer to join the Institute of Perception, Action and Behaviour, part of the School of Informatics, at The University of Edinburgh. For an exceptional candidate, appointment to the position of Senior Lecturer or Reader will be considered.
The Institute carries out research in Machine Vision, Graphics, and Robotics. It also has substantial cross links to the Institute of Adaptive and Neural Computation. Candidates with an interest in the computational neuroscience of vision, machine learning, or the application of computer vision to robotics are particularly encouraged to apply; but applications in any area of Image and Vision computing will be considered.
The School of Informatics plays a leading role in the EPRSC Centres for Doctoral Training in Robotics and Autonomous Systems, and in Data Science, with opportunities for the appointee to supervise PhD students from the Centres (and from other sources). In partnership with Heriot Watt University, we have recently established the Edinburgh Centre for Robotics, with substantial infrastructure funding for robotic platforms and supporting facilities. The University of Edinburgh is also one of the five joint venture partner universities in the UK's Alan Turing Institute for Data Science; this gives rise to opportunities to interact with PhD students, research fellows and senior researchers within the Turing Institute. In addition, there are many opportunities to interact with other parts of the University and beyond in order to further the candidate's research agenda.
The successful candidate will have a PhD; experience as an established researcher in Image and Vision Computing; enthusiasm to undertake original research including leading a research group; ability to engage with undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and academic supervision; ability to be involved in enhancing eLearning and on-line teaching initiatives. The post is full time and open ended and is available from 4th January 2017.
Salary: Lecturer UE08 £38,896 - £46,414 per annum / Senior Lecturer or Reader UE09 £49,230 - £55,389 per annum
Closing Date: Monday 21st March 2016 at 5pm (GMT)
1. Job Details
Job title: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Reader in Image and Vision Computing
School: School of Informatics
Line Manager: Head of School
2. Job Purpose
To undertake original research in Image and Vision Computing, within the School of Informatics. To impart knowledge by teaching, by facilitating student learning (including undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels), and by publishing in peer-reviewed media. To undertake a fair share of academic administrative duties.
For an appointment as Senior Lecturer, extensive experience in research, postgraduate supervision and teaching is essential.
An appointee at Reader level will be expected to lead and secure funding bids; lead a research team (including PhD students and postdoctoral research staff) and to undertake a fair share of academic administrative duties.
3. Main Responsibilities (Approx. % of time)
• Plan and undertake original research in Image and Vision Computing, including securing external research funding and leading post-graduate and post-doctoral researchers within a personal research programme (30%)
• Maintain a demonstrably high level of high quality research activity by disseminating research findings by producing first author and co-authored papers for publication, presentation at conferences, interaction with industry etc. (15%)
• Supervision and guidance of postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers (15%)
• Teaching undergraduate, masters and doctoral level courses, and supervise undergraduate and masters projects. Make significant contribution to the School’s teaching (course/module offerings and methods). (20%)
• Contribute to the School and University’s wider research programme in Image and Vision Computing, by contributing with colleagues to specific research projects that may involve activities with industrial, governmental or public sector bodies, and multidisciplinary collaboration with colleagues in other Schools. (5%)
• Contribute to academic administration or support roles within the School, e.g., publicity, school liaison etc. (15%)
Additionally for appointment at Grade 9 Senior Lecturer:
• Provide appropriate leadership for learning and teaching.
Additionally for appointment at Grade 9 Reader:
• Build national and international research collaborations as appropriate; extensive and effective contribution to the wider academic community.
• Develop and lead knowledge transfer activities including securing external grants, and/or undertaking commercialisation activities.
• Management and motivation of research team members.
4. Planning and Organising
The postholder will need to undertake a significant amount of project management and implementation. This will include:
• The definition and planning of a programme of work to deliver the anticipated research outputs.
• Maintain a portfolio of research activity and publications/outputs of high quality and impact.
• Lead funding bids and research activity in the specialist area.
• Appropriate planning and organising of staff and resources.
• Plan, prepare and deliver effective teaching, supervision and assessment of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Participate in development of the curriculum and of teaching methods within the School.
5. Problem Solving
Examples of problems that the post-holder has to solve include:
• Ensure the progress of projects, the postholder will analyse and solve research problems.
• Develop appropriate theories, methodologies and techniques, with an emphasis on quality and innovation.
• Resolution of resource management issues within the scope of the postholder’s research and teaching responsibilities.
• Participate in the development of research strategy at Institute and School level.
6. Decision Making
The postholder will prioritise own workload and set operational targets for the researchers he/she is responsible for. The postholder will provide assistance to other researchers’ students and staff.
7. Key Contacts/Relationships
• Within the School: Head of School, Director of Institute and, potentially, many other academic colleagues.
• Within the University: Collaborators within other Schools in interdisciplinary projects, contribution within College and University working parties/committees etc. as required.
• Outwith the University: Academic colleagues within specialist area (as collaborator, reviewer, expert witness, etc.), research grant funders, international conference organising committees (in particular serving as a Chair/committee member).
8. Knowledge, Skills and Experience
• PhD and experience as an established academic in specialist area.
• Ability to attract research funding as an independent researcher.
• Track record of first author and/or collaborative publications in high quality journals and international conferences.
• Experience of initiating and leading research.
• Strong relevant research and teaching skills.
• Effective written and oral communication skills in a range of contexts (e.g. teaching, research presentations and publications).
• Ability to engage with a range of teaching mediums including online and distance learning.
Additionally for appointment as Senior Lecturer:
• Extensive experience in research, postgraduate supervision and teaching is essential.
Additionally for appointment as Reader:
• A significant track record of success in securing research grants and awards.
• Evidence of significant achievement in the relevant field through (e.g.) successful knowledge transfer from research; the receipt of prestigious prizes and awards; membership of national and international bodies relevant to the research field.
• Proven ability to provide leadership for activities in delivering the School’s objectives.
• Experience of managing, motivating and supporting research staff, students and projects.
9. Dimensions
• Manage and co-manage external research funding over the relevant period of grants and assume responsibility for delivery of relevant research outputs.
• Teach and supervise on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
• Produce peer-reviewed articles/publications in appropriate media in line with School/Institute research strategy and to enhance personal and School reputation as a leading informatics research organisation
10. Informal Enquiries
Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Barbara Webb, Director of the Institute for Perception, Action and Behaviour: bwebb@inf.ed.ac.uk
Application Procedure
All applicants should apply online by clicking the apply link at the bottom of this page and submitting an up to date CV. The application process is quick and easy to follow, and you will receive email confirmation of safe receipt of your application. The online system allows you to submit a CV and other attachments.
We anticipate that interviews will be held in Edinburgh, in late April or early May 2016.
The closing date is 5pm (GMT) on Monday 21st March 2016.
Please apply via www.vacancies.ed.ac.uk