Research Fellow Seafloor Imaging and Data Management

The University of Southampton is a research-intensive university ranked the top 1% of universities worldwide. This role supports two joint projects between the School of Engineering and the Ocean and Earth Sciences, offering an exciting opportunity to investigate how state-of-the-art technology can enhance our understanding of human infrastructure impacts on the marine ecosystem. Based within the School of Engineering, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists and policy experts, with access to unique, world-class facilities. 

The University of Southampton takes great pride in our multidisciplinary approach to research. Collaborations between faculties and with industry are driven by interdisciplinary institutes like the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute. We collaborate both nationally and internationally, including our close collaborative relationships with the independent National Oceanography Centre.

About You

We are seeking candidates with expertise at the intersection of engineering and environmental science, particularly in robotics, seafloor imaging, automated data interpretation, data management, and marine ecology. You will actively contribute to research, with opportunities to join offshore expeditions deploying camera imaging systems via robotic submersibles. Key responsibilities include:

• Preparation and participation in offshore survey expeditions deploying camera equipped robotic submersibles
• Managing and preparing expedition data for open access under FAIR principles.
• Developing machine-assisted workflows for advanced ecological data interpretation.
• Publishing findings and open-sourcing methods to support the wider research community.

The role involves leveraging vast datasets, including high-resolution imaging collected by you, to address research questions in geospatial, biological, and oceanographic fields. Data analysis methods may include machine learning, AI, uncertainty quantification, and data assimilation.

Applicants should have:

• A doctorate completed or near completion in a relevant discipline or equivalent qualifications and experience
• Evidence of distinction in research through high-quality publications
• Ability and enthusiasm to help supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.
• The posts is offered on a full-time, fixed-term basis.

We welcome applications from all candidates with an interest in the role, and those who are committed to helping us create an inclusive work environment. We particularly welcome applications from candidates in underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. Interviews will take place in February 2025, either in person or online. Candidates offered positions after online interviews will be invited to campus for further discussions.

What We Offer

This role is hosted by the School of Engineering’s Maritime Engineering Group at Boldrewood Innovation Campus. The group collaborates with the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute, the School of Ocean and Earth Science, and the National Oceanography Centre Southampton. This network provides access to cutting-edge facilities, such as autonomous underwater vehicles and world-class supercomputers, ideal for innovative research. The University of Southampton provides a range of benefits, including:

• Membership in a pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave, including University closure days and public holidays.
• Excellent family leave arrangements (e.g., maternity, paternity, and adoption leave).
• A supportive, inclusive work environment committed to flexible working and accommodating career breaks.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

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