Computational & Field Senior Technician (Fixed Term)

The Computational and Field Senior Technician (CFST) will be a member of Dr Emily Lines's Research Group in the Department of Geography, focusing on the UKRI project "Next generation forest dynamics modelling using remote sensing data" which focuses on the use of high resolution remote sensing data to improve our understanding of how forests are structured and function.

The CFST will assist on Dr Lines's UKRI FLF project, focussing on tasks around collecting and processing high-resolution three-dimensional LiDAR and Structure from Motion point cloud data of forests. Computational tasks will include pre-processing field data using proprietary scanner software (RiScan, Agisoft Metashape, LidarViewer), performing semantic and instance segmentation using existing software pipelines developed by the group and others, cleaning point cloud segmentation output, and analysing data to extract ecologically important information including forest structure, tree carbon and diversity. The CFST may also develop new bespoke tools or pipelines tailored to the Group's needs, including those based on deep learning/AI methods. The majority of existing tools are in Python, with some also in R, C/C++. Experience in Python is expected as a minimum, and training can be provided in other languages. Processing tools are deployed both locally and on HPC clusters, and the CFST will do so using bash and Linux. Additionally, the CFST will be expected to support other group members in the collection of new data in UK and international fieldwork, totalling c. 3 months over the period of employment.

Furthermore, the CFST will contribute to the production and interpretation of data for academic-led research in their own specialist area(s) and be encouraged and supported to undertake training, under the guidance of the PI and the Geography Science Laboratories Manager, to maintain their skills and develop their experience. They will also coordinate responsive equipment bookings associated to the Group, and will be proactive in maintaining computational and field equipment in the Group, with training to do so provided by the PI and existing Geography Science Laboratories team as needed.

For an in-depth description of the role duties and skills and experience required, please refer to the Further Particulars.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Please quote reference LC45417 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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