Research Associate in Deep Learning for Computational Imaging in Astronomy, and Beyond

The Biomedical and Astronomical Signal Processing (BASP) laboratory at Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh (HWU), headed by Professor Yves Wiaux, is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher in computational imaging.

The BASP laboratory is developing cutting-edge research on all aspects of computational imaging, from theory and algorithms, to applications in astronomy and medicine. Dr Wiaux is a Professor in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at HWU. He is also Honorary fellow at the (UoE) School of Informatics, and Academic Guest at the (EPFL) Signal Processing Laboratories.

The position is open in the context of a large research project aiming to develop a new generation of computational imaging algorithms intended to deliver simultaneously precision, robustness, efficiency, and scalability of the image formation process. The algorithms will be developed leveraging cutting-edge deep learning and optimisation techniques, as well as high-performance computing implementations. They will be validated for applications in both radio astronomy and magnetic resonance imaging in medicine.

Led by Prof. Wiaux, the project is supported by a unique team of  international partners: Prof. Pesquet from the Digital Vision Centre at Université Paris-Saclay (CVN), Prof. Pock from the Institute of Computer Graphics and Vision at Graz University of Technology (ICG), Prof. Thiran from the EPFL Signal Processing Laboratories (LTS5), Mr Jackson at the UoE Parallel Computing Centre (EPCC), Prof. Smirnov from the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), Dr Akiyama from MIT Haystack Observatory (Haystack), Dr van Heeswijk from the Radiology Department of Lausanne University hospital (CHUV).

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The postholder will develop new image formation algorithms for radio astronomy. Technology transfer to magnetic resonance imaging in medicine is a secondary target. Outstanding candidates are also welcome to propose their own research project in the broader context of deep learning for computational imaging. Upon outstanding performance, postholders can be granted opportunities for secondments in one of the collaborating institutions and/or to co-supervise a PhD student. A secondary affiliation to EPFL or UoE may be offered to candidates with the appropriate profile.

Appointment is initially for 1 year, and renewable for up to 3 years, depending on research progress. HWU offers attractive salaries, accounting for experience and excellence criteria. BASP offers a cutting-edge collaborative research environment.

The start date is flexible between October 2024 and March 2025. 

Education, Qualifications and Experience

‍We are looking for outstanding candidates with a PhD in physics, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related discipline.‍

The candidates will have expertise in computational imaging, with: (i) an algorithmic focus, with particular interest in methods at the interface of deep learning and optimisation theory, and/or (ii) an application focus in radio astronomy, including both simulation and real data processing expertise.

Competence in specific algorithmic approaches such as generative models, or specific applications such as connected or very long baseline interferometry, is of particular interest.

Essential Criteria

• PhD: Hold a PhD (or be about to)
• Area of Expertise: Computational imaging
• Motivation: Energy and enthusiasm
• Evidence of research ability: capability to be self-directed and think innovatively
• Publication record: strong publication record
• Work environment: experience of multi-cultural work environment; ability to work as part of a team
• Communication skills: ability to present work effectively (written/oral)
• Supervision: experience of PhD student supervision.

Desirable Criteria

• excellence in several of the essential criteria

How to Apply

‍Expressions of interest and other queries should be sent by email to Prof. Wiaux (y.wiaux@hw.ac.uk). Formal applications should consist of a single PDF submitted via the Heriot-Watt Job Portal, including:

• motivation letter
• CV
• publication list
• names of 3 references

Applications not respecting this format may be discarded.

The screening of candidates will start in September 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

About Heriot Watt University 

Heriot-Watt University has a broad reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business, and industry. This position is based within EPS, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences. EPS has a well-established international research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering, and technology.

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.  Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.

Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.