About the Opportunity
Northeastern University London invites applications for a Post-doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Computer/Cognitive Science. The successful candidate will work on augmenting colour communication under diverse viewing conditions and across different languages, a research area that impacts multiple disciplines and has a lot of practical applications.
The successful candidate will join the "Cones-to-Words" research team at the Northeastern University London campus near St Katharine's Dock, led by Dr Dimitris Mylonas (Principal Investigator, NU London). They will join a multidisciplinary team of experts in machine learning and colour vision, including Dr Alexandros Koliousis (NU London), Professor Rhea T. Eskew (NU Boston), and Professor Andrew Stockman (UCL), as well as with technical support staff. The candidate will co-supervise a part-time Research Assistant in Psychology, as well as interact with graduate and PhD students. Preference may be given to candidates with active interests in the relationship of computer and/or cognitive science to one or more of the following areas: colour science, machine learning, computer vision and applied engineering.
Core duties include:
1. designing crowdsourcing, laboratory and Virtual Reality (VR) experiments;
2. analysing data;
3. implementing and evaluating machine learning models to help people talk about colour worldwide, building on our ongoing colour naming experiment at colornaming.net.
The PDRA will also be involved in collaborative team efforts to address fundamental challenges in colour vision, specifically aiming to map the physiological processing of cone photoreceptors to the linguistic categorisation of colours onto a series of mechanistic stages. The PDRA is expected to be the first author on at least two conference or journal papers related to the project's goals, highlighting both their contributions and those of other team members.
We particularly encourage applications from those belonging to groups underrepresented in UK higher education. We are open to appointing on a reduced fraction/job-share basis subject to our business needs.
About the Faculty
The recently formed Faculty of Computing, Mathematics, Engineering, and Natural Sciences (CoMENS) is undergoing significant growth at Northeastern University London. It is home to four interdisciplinary undergraduate dual-degree (in UK and US) programmes in the areas of Data Science, Data Science and Politics, Computer Science and Business, and Computer Science and Philosophy; four postgraduate programs in the areas of AI Ethics, Data Science, Computer Science, and Technology Leadership; and five degree apprenticeship programmes in the areas of AI, Data Science, Digital and Technology Solutions, and Biosciences.
Person Specification Criteria
To undertake this role, the following should apply - should you not have the experience below, please do highlight where transferable skills would assist with you undertaking the role.
Qualifications
* PhD, or equivalent professional experience, in Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Human Colour Vision, Computational Neuroscience, Computer Vision or related quantitative field.
Key Criteria
* Knowledge of computational models of human colour vision
* Strong programming skills in Python and/or Matlab; knowledge of Web languages is an advantage
* Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and publish research
* Excellent written and verbal interpersonal communication skills
* Excellent time-management and organisational skills
Additional Information
Enquiries
Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Dimitris Mylonas, Primary Investigator of the Cones-to-Words project (dimitris.mylonas@nulondon.ac.uk). However, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.
Application Process
Applications must include a CV and covering letter of no more than one page that addresses the criteria for the role and includes names and contact information of up to three references. References will only be sought for short-listed candidates.
Interviews are expected to take place between April 1 and April 15, 2025.
The panel will be shortlisting for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications.
Job sponsorship. Visa sponsorship may be available for a successful candidate for this position.
About the University
Northeastern University London (NU London) is a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London and is part of Northeastern University's global campus network. Overlooking the River Thames near Tower Bridge, NU London offers academically challenging educational programmes designed to inspire innovative thinking, encourage interdisciplinary study, and provide global experiences. The bright and modern campus offers award winning, contemporary facilities for students and staff including state of the art audio visual technology in its teaching and meeting spaces.
Inspired by excellence, infused with an energy of ideas and ability in motion, at NU London, being a part of our staff is to be a part of a collective of entrepreneurs and educators, builders and thinkers. NU London is growing quickly, offering opportunity and growth for our staff. Currently hosting 1,500 students, our aim is to have 4000 students by 2028/29.
Choose NU London
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, the University supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance, your health and wellness are of utmost importance to us, and our offerings encompass:
* 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and winter break holidays (normally 2 days between Christmas and New Year).
* Access to personalised Continuous Professional Development (CPD) plans and opportunities.
* Support with private medical insurance.
* Eye test reimbursement.
* Cycle Scheme vouchers.
* 24/7 employee assistance/ support via our Employee Assistance Programme.
* Access to deals and discounts for food & shopping in the local area.
Enquiries
Informal enquiries may be made to:
Dimitrios Mylonas
They can be reached at the following:
d.mylonas@northeastern.edu
However, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.
Application process
Applications should be made by 23:59 on the job posting's end date (if applicable).
Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary.
Applications must include a covering letter of no more than one page that addresses the criteria for the role and a full curriculum vitae.
The panel will be shortlisting for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications.
Please note this role may require a basic or enhanced DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of our students and staff, and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London.
Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from all underrepresented groups, including the Global Majority. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. #J-18808-Ljbffr