DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE FURTHER INFORMATION PACK
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Research Associate (Ref: SP/83)
Department: Computer Science (For further information regarding the department and an outline of current research projects in the department please visit our website at http://www.cs.ucl.ac.uk/ Information on UCL can be found at www.ucl.ac.uk ) Research Group: Vision and Imaging Science Reports to: Grade: Dr. Simon Prince (Principal Investigator) 7
Project Description: A core unsolved problem in computer vision is how to mathematically represent the shape and appearance of visual objects. We need to build models which exploit the similarity between all members of the class, but are flexible enough to represent the individual examples. The importance of object class modelling lies in the breadth of application. Consider a statistical description of images of cars. Such a model can be used for vehicle detection, vehicle identity recognition, or for predicting characteristics of cars such as their age or type (SUV, compact car etc.). The model can be used to segment vehicle pixels precisely from a larger image, to generate new photo-realistic images or animations of cars, and to denoise, enhance or super-resolve existing images. One might use the model to help track cars in complex scenes, estimate vehicle speed, assess driving ability, or to edit movies to change the identity, position or color of cars in the footage. There are obvious real-world uses for these capabilities. A similar variety of applications is found if we consider other classes such as human body models, or faces. It follows from the above that a significant development in the statistical description of object classes would make an enormous contribution to the field of computer vision. The goal of this project is to develop a “gold-standard” statistical model of class appearance and shape, which can be applied to all of the above tasks. In particular we are interested in “mosaic” models, which represent class images as a composite picture made up of smaller patches. Main Purpose:
The Research Associate will be responsible for carrying out research in the area of object class recognition. Duties and Responsibilities To contribute to the design of a range of experiments in relation to the “Mosaic Image Classes” project. To be involved in a range of theoretical work, software development and empirical activities. To set up and run empirical activities (to include data collection, experiments, program building etc) in consultation with the Principal Investigator, ensuring that experiments are appropriately supervised and supported. To record, analyse and write up the results of experiments in a timely fashion. To contribute to the planning and documentation of the project. To prepare and present findings of research activity to colleagues for review purposes. To represent the project at workshops and conferences. To contribute to the drafting and submitting of papers to appropriate peer reviewed journals and conferences. To prepare progress reports on research for funding bodies as required. To contribute to the preparation and drafting of research bids and proposals. To contribute to the overall activities of the research team and department as required. To undertake teaching as requested by the department. To supervise project students if requested. To develop suitable relevant web pages. Responsible for ensuring that equipment is safe and maintained in working order and that work complies with departmental security policy. As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the postholder.
The postholder will carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager or Head of Department. The postholder will actively follow UCL policies including Equal Opportunities and Race Equality policies. The postholder will maintain an awareness of and observe Fire and Health & Safety Regulations.
Personal Development The Principal Investigator(s) acknowledge the responsibility for guiding and assisting the Research Associate in their professional development. The Research Associate will be given time for personal studies, preparation of research papers and presentation of papers at conferences so that they have time to qualify themselves for a permanent academic post. The Research Associate might also be permitted to consult in industry should opportunities arise and be appropriate. UCL also has an excellent Staff Development and Training Unit that offers a variety of different courses.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Knowledge – including Qualifications Skills Research skills (theoretical and empirical, planning and documentary) Ability to analyse and write up data Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences Effective written and verbal communication skills Excellent organisational skills Ability to work to deadlines whilst maintaining accuracy and an eye for detail A PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or a related discipline or equivalent research experience Knowledge of research techniques and methodologies
Experience Experience of working in a research environment is desirable Experience of the following languages: Matlab, C++
Personal Qualities Commitment to high quality research Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team in a research community Ability to work unsupervised Applicants should be self-motivated and able to use their initiative Commitment to UCL‟s policy of equal opportunity and the ability to work harmoniously with colleagues and students of all cultures and backgrounds
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Salary The post is graded as a Research Grade 7, the salary for which ranges from £26,666 to £32,796 (excluding London Allowance of £2,572) per annum. Starting salary will be no higher than point number 34 on the scale: £30,913 plus £2,572 London Allowance. Progression through the salary scale is incremental, with staff moving to the next point on the scale on 1st August each year, until they reach the top point, which for Grade 7 is point number 36. Please note however that, should 1st August fall within your probation period, you would not receive an automatic increment that year. Cost of living pay awards are negotiated nationally and are usually effective from 1 st August each year. The current salary scale can be found on the HR web pages at: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/salary_scales/final_grades.php Probation Appointments are subject to receipt of satisfactory references and a probationary period of 9 months. Hours of work Full time hours for Research staff average 36.5 hours per week and times of work are as determined by the Head of Department. Term 12 months. Holidays Annual leave is 27 working days for a full time member of staff. UCL also closes for a period at Christmas and Easter, at which times staff benefit from a total of 6 „closure days‟ in addition to Bank Holidays. Pension The postholder will be eligible to join the Universities Superannuation Scheme (subject to the Scheme‟s rules and regulations), which is a final salary scheme with a current employee contribution rate of 6.35% and an employer contribution rate of 14% of salary. Season Ticket Loans A season ticket loan is available to staff who have successfully completed their probationary period with the facility to repay through a monthly deduction from salary.
Other Benefits Other benefits of joining UCL as a staff member are many and include: Access to an extensive range of in-house staff development opportunities. Staff have full use of the UCL libraries and UCL operates a Study Assistance Scheme for those undertaking part-time work-related study. An excellent location for transport networks being near Euston, Kings Cross and St. Pancras stations and a choice of underground stations connected to London‟s other mainline stations. A wide range of bus routes serves the area. UCL lies in Bloomsbury, just north of Oxford Street, Covent Garden and the heart of the West End with access to shops, theatres, cinemas, bars and restaurants. UCL also has its own 550 seat West End arts venue (Bloomsbury Theatre) which hosts drama, dance, music, debates and lectures during the year The main campus has subsidised cafeterias/bars and shops, gym, hairdresser and a travel agent. UCL staff can also benefit from corporate membership at a Tottenham Court Road gym.
Further information on benefits, terms and conditions can be found at www.ucl.ac.uk/hr
APPLICATIONS
Applications for research posts are by CV (in pdf format) which must include the following: education history details of current or most recent employer (name and address of current organization, job title, salary and duties) details of previous employment details of two referees (one of which should be your current employer) list of publications details of membership of any professional organizations how the applicants‟ knowledge, skills, and abilities meet the job requirements
Applicants must also complete and return with their CVs the Information Sheet and Equal Opportunities Classification form found at: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/docs/download_forms/recruitment_selection_I.doc References will be taken up for all short-listed candidates. A reference will be required from your immediate employer for the person appointed. If you would
prefer that we did not contact your employer at the initial stage of interviews please state this clearly in your application and provide the name/address of an alternative referee. Applications (CV, Equal Opportunities Classification Form and Information sheet) should be e-mailed to Miss Lynette Hothi at l.hothi@cs.ucl.ac.uk quoting reference „SP/83‟ in the subject line. The closing date for applications is Friday, 21 September 2007. We regret that due to administration costs we are only able to respond to applicants whom we wish to interview. If you have not heard from us within one month after the closing date please assume you have been unsuccessful in your application for this post. Travel costs will be reimbursed for all interviewees, up to the equivalent of the most economical train/air fare available from the point of entry to the UK.