Postdoctoral Research Assistant in machine learning and citizen science

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in machine learning and citizen science.

The post is available initially fixed-term until 31 July 2023

This project will build on work by the Zooniverse team in developing methods combining machine learning and citizen science, focusing on the potential of anomaly detection and serendipitous discovery. Example projects in astrophysics (particularly galaxy morphology and/or exoplanet discovery), protein structure (in collaboration with the Rosalind Franklin Institute) and bioacoustics for monitoring the health of ecosystems (in collaboration with UCL and WWF) provide a rich set of problems to address. The project provides an interesting opportunity for anyone with a desire to lead an attack on interesting machine learning problems in the context of real-world scientific problems.  

The successful candidate will be responsible for working with the project team to develop, test, deploy and evaluate suitable machine learning responses to the problems at hand, including data from citizen science projects where appropriate.  They will lead on publications describing the methodology, and carry out their own research using the results in one or more? of the project domains. They will also work with the Zooniverse platform development team to develop the appropriate infrastructure.                        

Applicants should possess, or be very close to obtaining a doctorate in a relevant field and ideally have a strong background in either one of the scientific domains (observational astrophysics, cryo electron tomography or ecology) or in machine learning.   

Previous experience or a demonstrated interest in citizen science, ‘human in the loop’ machine learning or anomaly detection will be an advantage.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to think creatively and work collaboratively. The panel will also assess efforts in service of community scholarship, any track record of collaborating with groups which are underrepresented in our fields, and a demonstrated commitment to diversity.

The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach.

Please direct enquiries about the role to Prof Chris Lintott [email protected]

Only applications received before midday 20 August 2021 can be considered. You will be required to upload a brief statement of research interests, CV.  You must also ask your two referees to send your references to  [email protected] before the closing date