Research Assistant

• assisting in conducting research activities related to computer vision, including literature reviews, data collection, experimentation, and analysis
• assisting in the development and implementation of computer vision algorithms, including image processing, object detection, recognition, segmentation, and tracking
• preparing and annotating datasets for training and evaluation purposes, ensuring data quality and relevance to research objectives
contributing to the solution in a form of software tools and frameworks for computer vision research, using programming languages such as Python or C/C++
• assisting in the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, as directed.

N/a

• Some prior experience and strong interest in the subject of Computer Vision
• Understanding of deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow Keras, PyTorch) and some proficiency in training convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for computer vision tasks.
• Familiarity in training deep learning models using preprocessed and augmented datasets, monitoring model performance and convergence during training.
• Practical knowledge in utilizing programming languages relevant to machine learning, deep learning and computer vision (Python 3.4 and above is an absolute must).
• Experience working with video / image data, including data preprocessing, annotation and analysis using popular libraries (e.g. OpenCV)
Knowledge of common evaluation metrics for assessing model performance in computer vision tasks, such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score.
•  Knowledge in web frameworks written in Python (e.g. Flask) is desirable but not essential

We are seeking a Research Assistant with expertise in web development and implementation to support the enhancement of a digital resource currently under development. This resource, based on cutting-edge linguistic research, focuses on motion verbs in Latin and Ancient Greek, making complex linguistic structures more accessible and engaging for secondary school students and teachers. The role involves refining and optimizing the existing platform, ensuring a user-friendly experience, and integrating additional linguistic data.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a meaningful educational and research-driven project that connects classical languages with digital innovation.

Please note that compensation includes payment for regular remote meetings.

• A background in Informatics or Computer Science is required, with higher education qualifications being an advantage.

• Proficiency in JavaScript and Python
• Experience with web development and digital tools for education
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently
• Interest in linguistics, digital humanities, or educational technology (preferred but not required)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

1. To support the Supervisor to achieve the day-to-day tasks, by understanding individual and team tasks, working to deliver an effective and efficient service and supporting colleagues to ensure that all tasks and services are supported therefore contributing to individual and team metrics/KPI?s.
2. To establish and maintain good working relationships with all stakeholders, providing advice, information, signposting and sharing specialist knowledge with all team colleagues relating the school portfolio that they have been allocated in that academic year. Supporting different portfolios as needed, which will allocated by the Supervisor and/or Coordinator using a data led approach and rotated yearly as appropriate.
3. To play an active role in ensuring that the team provide excellent customer service, ensuring they are contributing to the continual enhancement of services offered by highlight processes, procedures or policies that are not easily administrable, identifying any barriers and possible solutions.   
4. Responding to enquiries in a timely, calm, sensitive and informative manner through the variety of platforms available to students, providing advice and information relating to extenuating circumstances and attendance monitoring, making sure the information provided is accurate and escalating complex queries or concerns with the Student Engagement Coordinator.
5. Supporting the attendance monitoring process by completing weekly reviews, identifying students not meeting the attendance/engagement thresholds, sending out emails/appointments as per the policy, managing a case load of students, writing up all actions in the CRM, making appointments with appropriate members of academic staff (in line with the policy) to complete attendance review panels, recording this information and completing all follow up work.
6. Working collaboratively with Schools to support students ?at risk? of non-continuation by providing timely and effective interventions to re-engage the student with their studies, adopting a mentoring and coaching approach to support the students to achieve their full potential.
7. Completion of interruption and withdrawal procedures as a result of continued poor engagement, making sure to liaise with appropriate key stakeholders and providing weekly/monthly reports on student engagement and non-continuation (withdrawals and interruptions).
8. Working on a continual basis to review and support the extenuating circumstances process, ensuring the queries are responded to, decisions made, and communicated, complex cases are resolved, all decisions are appropriately recorded, with all stakeholders informed, providing reports relating to the volume of queries and completion of tasks in line with SLA?s.
9. Responsible for delivering ad hoc activities that contribute to continuation, progression, and successful student outcomes across the University. 

This list is not exhaustive. The postholder will be expected to carry out relevant and related tasks as commensurate with the current grade and agreed with the Head of Student Administration or their nominee.

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PERSON SPECIFICATION / SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants will be short-listed solely on the extent to which they meet the following essential (E) and desirable (D) requirements.

Experience

• Practical administration experience (E) working in a higher education setting (D), supporting and resolving students/customer concerns both face to face and online (E). 
• Experience of supporting and resolving students concerns both face to face and online (E) with an experience of and/or understanding the current issues facing students including the barriers and challenges to engagement. (D)
• Experience of managing a student caseload (E) using data to target support (D) providing mentoring and coaching support (D).
• Experience of maintaining accurate records, (E) the use the IT systems/software to input, store and where appropriate gather data (E).
• To be able to use own initiative to plan (E), prioritise and organise own varied workload, in a timely manner (E), to approach challenges/problems in a creative and proactive way (E).
• To operate flexibly either as part of a team or independently (E).
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills (E) and to cope with high volumes of work and work as a team during stressful periods in the academic year in a calm and efficient manner (E).
• Good customer service/relationship skills (E), dealing sensitively with enquiries from a diverse range of individuals, and de-escalate and manage potentially difficult or conflict situations calmly and with confidence (D).
• Experience of servicing committee meetings, both in preparation and minute taking, and following up matters raised in meetings (D).
• To be committed to and have experience of the application of ICT in administration (E). Knowledge of word processing, databases and spreadsheets (E) and of the use of the web (D). Willingness and ability to learn new packages in order to carry out the duties of the role (E).