Post Doctoral Research Assistant (Fixed-term)

Bournemouth University; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a PostDoc Research Assistant to contribute to the EU Horizon project on mental health. The role involves building a mental health app and developing VR/AR tools for therapy. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in computer science, experience in app development, and a passion for enhancing mental health services through technology. This position is fixed-term for two years with potential for renewal.

Benefits

Flexible working proposals considered

Inclusive working environment

Qualifications

• Experience in building live community-building Apps.
• Strong background in developing mental health applications.

Responsibilities

• Build a prototype mental health App for therapist recommendations.
• Develop a VR/AR tool for virtual therapy interactions.
• Mentor seconded students and participate in project planning.

Skills

App development on Android

App development on iOS

Experience in VR/AR tools

Strong communication skills

Education

PhD in computer science or related engineering field

BSc or MSc in computer science

Job description

Bournemouth University’s vision is worldwide recognition as a leading university for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society through the fusion of education, research and practice. Our highly skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the globe, who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives and experiences that help to build our global learning community.

You will be making a leading contribution to the EU Horizon project “ACMod : Affective computing model from facial expression to mind-reading.” This project includes seven Universities and three industrial partners. You will work with Dr Hongchuan Yu (PI, Bournemouth University) with a focus of mental health.

The overall aim of the project “ACMod” is to advance the state of the art in understanding and modelling naturalistic facial behaviours in social interaction. The Bournemouth University team focuses on applications in improving mental health services and collaborate with potential industry partners with a view to future technology commercialisation.

We seek applicants at an international level of excellence. The National Centre for Computer Animation (BU) has an international research reputation in computer graphics and animation field. Moreover, it has forged close links with many of the UK’s, and the world’s, most prominent animation organisations and award-winning professionals. You will be part of the research centre. You will have chance to exchange research with leading research groups and develop your network with industry field through these existing industry links.

To be considered for this appointment, you must be able to perform the duties as listed for a PDRA position with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research, and mentoring seconded students.

The PostDoc Research Assistant ( / Associate) will be responsible for:

• Building a prototype of a mental health App with two main functionalities: assess the profiles of individuals to recommend suitable therapists, and act as a digital community platform where therapists can share educational content, e.g., videos / articles
• Creating a MS copilot-based VR / AR tool that clients can interact with virtual therapists in VR / AR environment, and meanwhile therapists / professionals can intervene / observe during virtual video-therapy sessions to better understand how a client is feeling and deliver a better service
• You should possess a PhD degree in computer science, or a related engineering field along with at least one additional degree (e.g. BSc or MSc) in computer science. You must also have experience in App development based on Android and iOS, ideally having launched a live community-building App.

This post is offered on a two-year fixed-term appointment for the EU Horizon funded project-“ACMod”. It may be renewal in terms of EU project progression.

BU values and is committed to an inclusive working environment. We seek a diverse community through attracting, developing and retaining staff from different backgrounds to contribute to inspirational learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society. To support and enable our staff to achieve a balance between work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.