Research Assistant
Mechatronic Engineer, Computer Science, and Civil Engineer
School of Computer Science and Data Science Institute, University of Galway
Ref. No. University of Galway 329-23
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed-term position as a Research Assistant with the School of Computer Science and Data Science Institute at the University of Galway.
This position is funded by SFI National Challenge Fund (OurTech Challenge) and is available from 04 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.
The School of Computer Science is ambitious and growing, and we invite the new appointees to contribute to this together with us. The vision of the School of Computer Science is to build a strong and sustainable learning environment with world-recognised research that informs high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate teaching that is inclusive and relevant to the needs of our stakeholders and society in general. The School of Computer Science was initially established in 1991 as the Information Technology Discipline, and became a School in 2019, recognising its growth and significance.
DSI incorporates the University of Galway node of the nationwide Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics. DSI hosts more than 100 staff and has established itself as a top player worldwide in the areas of Data Analytics, AI, Semantic Web, and Linked Data. The institute performs fundamental and applied research in a range of research areas to enable this, including data streams and sensor networks, knowledge discovery, computer vision, natural language processing, social semantics and social network analysis, among others. Research outcomes are applied in use cases across a range of domains, including sustainability, eGovernment, financial services, manufacturing, eHealth and Life Sciences.
School of Computer Science – University of Galway
Job Description:
This research assistant position is in the cross disciplinary area of civil engineering, mechatronic engineering, data analytics, and Artificial Intelligence. The researcher will mainly focus on using deep learning for processing data from various type of sensors for road surface analysis and its rating system (analysing footpath/ways, cycleways, greenways, euroVelo). This processed information will be analysed and presented to various stakeholders. This work will build on surveying the existing road surface analysis system and mechanisms, surveying cycle and greenways, rating systems, etc. and rapidly prototyping a system. In addition, investigation will be done to identify existing related systems, open benchmarks, etc.
The successful candidate supports the activities of the project called ‘Pav-Analytics an Intelligent Pavement Condition Rating System for Cycles and Greenways’ through provision of research and administrative assistance and will work under the direction of the Principal Investigator Dr Ihsan Ullah and Co- Principal Investigator Dr. Waqar Shahid Qureshi.
The School of Computer Science and Data Science Institute (DSI) at University of Galway is inviting applications for the position of research assistant for 1 year.
Duties:
Research
• Actively participate as a member of a research team and assist an individual research leader or team to conduct a particular study (or group of studies).
• To provide assistance in conducting research activities, including planning, organizing, conducting, and communicating research studies within the overall scope of the research project.
• To coordinate and perform a variety of independent tasks and team activities involved in the collection, analysis, documentation and some interpretation of information/results.
• Conduct literature, rating systems, sensors, database, stats searches and interpret and present the findings of the literature searches as appropriate.
• Assist in analysis and interpretation of results of own research.
• Any other duties assigned commensurate to this level of post
Write up & Disseminate
• Write up results from own research activity (e.g. as project report) for review by PI, including preparing technical reports, conclusions and recommendations.
• Provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, meetings, events) as directed by the PI/project leader. Authorship should be decided in line with guidelines such as the Vancouver Protocol, or similar authorship guidelines as appropriate.
• Present on research progress and outcomes e.g. to bodies supervising research; steering groups; other team members, as agreed with the PI/project leader.
• Should write at least survey paper or workshop level papers.
Management
• Work under the direction of the Principal Investigator. Plan and manage own day-to-day research activity within this framework & direction.
• Provide guidance as required to any support staff and/or research students assisting with the research project, as agreed with the Principal Investigator/Grant holder.
• To perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
• Where appropriate provide advice and / or assistance to support staff, research students.
Qualifications/Skills required:
Essential Requirements:
• BSc in Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience in developing embedded applications, conducting literature reviews, and writing requirement specifications. Experience in sensor fusion and real-time operating systems is highly desirable.
• Excellent understanding of experimental design and scientific methodologies.
• Proficiency in C++, C, or python programming languages for software development.
• Familiarity with sensor fusion techniques, system integration, and software engineering principles.
Desirable Requirements:
• MSc in Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Familiarity with designing CAD drawing for mounting will be a plus.
• Knowledge of AI or Data Analytics for Civil engineering applications
Employment permit restrictions apply for this category of post
Salary: Research Assistant salary scale €30,025 – €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.
(Research Salary Scales – University of Galway)
Start date: Position is available from 04 January 2024
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 – see HERE for further information.
Further information on research and working at University of Galway is available on Research at University of Galway
For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie
Further information about the School of Computer Science and Data Science Institute is available at School of Computer Science – University of Galway
https://www.universityofgalway.ie/dsi/
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. Ihsan Ullah (Ihsan.ullah@universityofgalway.ie)
Please put reference number University of Galway 329-23 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm (Irish Time) 31st December 2023.
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.
