Research Assistant – Insight II Platform Research
School of Computer Science, and Data Science Institute
Ref. No. University of Galway 064-24
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term position as a Research Assistant with School of Computer Science https://www.universityofgalway.ie/science-engineering/school-of-computer-science/welcome/ and Data Science Institute College of Science and Engineering at the University of Galway, Ireland.
This position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland and is available immediately to contract end date of 30 September 2024 (6 months).
The School of Computer Science https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ecb65c4-muQ one of the largest academic disciplines in the College of Science and Engineering and one of the largest in University of Galway overall. It includes over 30 academic staff and over 90 PhD students.
The Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics https://www.insight-centre.org is one of the largest data analytics centres in Europe. It undertakes high-impact research, seeks to derive value from Big Data and provides innovative technology solutions for industry and society by enabling better decision-making. Insight is one of the largest data analytics centres in Europe. It undertakes high-impact research, seeks to derive value from Big Data and provides innovative technology solutions for industry and society by enabling better decision-making. At the Data Science Institute (DSI), we research technologies at the convergence of Computer Science, Web Science and Artificial Intelligence to build a fundamental understanding of how information and knowledge are increasingly driving society through digital processes, and of the tools, techniques and principles supporting a data-enhanced world.
Job Description:
The project is about detecting structure and pattern in designed objects, making a contribution to AI and trustworthy AI. This will proceed in the context of specific datasets. It will investigate existing methods of detecting structure and develop novel ones based on program synthesis and genetic programming. The RA will carry out fundamental research under the direction of the PI, with duties as follows.
Duties:
• Gather and process datasets, including The Session (Irish traditional music) and Bongard Problems and text descriptions.
• Develop code in Python to implement a known manual procedure for detecting high-level structure in traditional music.
• Document this process and report deviations from expected results.
• Investigate potential of large language models for generating code to capture structure and pattern in given objects, and report on the results.
• In collaboration with the PI, write workshop or conference papers describing the above work and results.
• Develop a web demo of the above work.
• Engage with external stakeholders and collaborators.
• Carry out EPE activities.
• Any other duties assigned commensurate to this level of post.
Qualifications/Skills required:
Essential Requirements:
• Primary degree (Level 8) in computer science or a related field, or a primary degree in another field and a postgraduate degree in computer science or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in coding in Python and Javascript
• Demonstrated ability in writing, describing outcomes of projects
• Demonstrated ability to deliver work to deadlines.
Desirable Requirements:
• Demonstrated experience working in teams
• Interest in / familiarity with Irish traditional music
• Expertise with data structures such as trees and graphs
• Experience in showcasing research in demonstrations or via the web.
Salary: Research Assistant salary scale €30,026- €39,908 per annum, (subject to the project’s funding limitations), and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts.
The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, and consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the payscale (subject to the project’s funding limitations), where evidence of prior years’ equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale https://www.universityofgalway.ie/human-resources/recruitment-and-selection/recruitment-and-selection/researchsalaryscales/
Start date: Position is available immediately.
Continuing Professional Development/Training:
Researchers at University of Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans. University of Galway provides continuing professional development supports for all researchers seeking to build their own career pathways either within or beyond academia. Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon commencing employment http://www.nuigalway.ie/rdc for further information.
Further information on research and working at University of Galway is available on https://www.universityofgalway.ie/our-research
For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie
Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr James McDermott james.mcdermott@universityofgalway.ie
To Apply:
Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Dr James McDermott: james.mcdermott@universityofgalway.ie
Please put reference number University of Galway 064-24 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm (Irish Time) 26th March 2024.
We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post.
University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer.
All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment.
