Research Assistant in Data Processing for AI-Enabled Tree Species Mapping

Diversity Dashboard; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Generous annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Job summary

The University of Sheffield invites applications for a Research Assistant to support the NextGen-FI project, focusing on UAV data management, orthophoto optimisation and dataset generation for model-ready AI/ML evaluation.

The role involves collaboration with academic and stakeholder partners to create repeatable UAV data generation workflows, document methods, and contribute to reports and publications throughout a 12-month, 20-hours-per-week engagement.

Qualifications

• MSc, PhD or equivalent experience in Geography, Computer Science or related field.
• Experience modelling, simulation or analysis of geospatial data (R, Matlab, ArcPro, QGIS, Python).
• Experience with UAV software such as Agisoft Metashape or Pix4D.

Responsibilities

• Manage UAV flightline data with stakeholders.
• Secure data management for UAV datasets.
• Develop automated UAV data processing protocols (e.g., Metashape workflows).
• Process UAV flight-line datasets for AI/ML input.
• Collaborate with project partners and document methods and results.
• Contribute to project deliverables and publications.
• Carry out other duties as required.

Skills

Geospatial data modelling

UAV data processing

Data management

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

MSc/PhD in Geography or Computer Science

Tools

Agisoft Metashape

Pix4D

ArcGIS/ArcPro

QGIS

Job description

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We are inviting applications for a Research Assistant to support the following project Next-Generation Forest Inventory (NextGen-FI): Open-Set Recognition for Monitoring Illegal Logging (NextGen-Fi). The post will contribute to the development and validation of unique Unpiloted Airborne Vehicle [UAV] datasets. The work will focus on UAV data management, orthophoto optimisation and generation, and output coding. Datasets will be shared with the project team.

The successful candidate will work with academic and stakeholder partners to generate model-ready UAV datasets and develop evidence to support the evaluation of AI and machine learning models. This may include investigating data-centric AI strategies, such as data quality assessment, annotation refinement, dataset curation, and augmentation, alongside conventional model evaluation. The role will also involve documenting methods and results for project deliverables, reports, and publications.

The post is suited to candidates with either a good MSc or a with a PhD awarded or close to completion (or equivalent experience) in UAV data processing, GIS or related disciplines, and who is motivated to develop deployable and repeatable UAV data generation protocols and outputs .

The post is for the duration of 12 months and for a maximum of 20 hours per week.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Work with stakeholders to manage and secure UAV flightline data
• Undertake secure data management for all UAV data transferred from stakeholders
• Generate automated flight-line processing protocols for UAV data ingestion in Agisoft Metashape
• Process and code multiple UAV flight-line datasets using Agisoft Metashape for input into both AI and ML models
• Work collaboratively with academic and stakeholder project partners, present progress, and maintain clear technical records, code, data and documentation.
• Contribute to project deliverables for NextGen-Fi Workpage One.
• Contribute to dissemination activities, including preparation of technical reports, conference or journal papers.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

• A MSc., PhD awarded, or working towards a PhD degree in Geography, Computer Science (or equivalent experience)
• Essential
• Application
• Experience in modelling, simulation or analysis of geospatial data, e.g. using R, Matlab, ArcPro, QGIS, python or similar
• Essential
• Application/interview
• Experience using UAV software or programming tools such as Agisoft Metashape, Pix4D or similar
• Essential
• Application/Interview
• Awareness/knowledge of AI and ML methods and approaches for tree and/or species mapping
• Desirable
• Application
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing reports and presenting your findings
• Essential
• Application/interview
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment
• Essential
• Application/interview
• Ability to plan own workload and prioritise conflicting deadlines
• Essential
• Application/interview
• Effective time management skills
• Essential
• Application/interview
• Ability to plan research tasks and progress work activities, and to monitor and manage the delivery of outcomes
• Essential
• Application/interview

Further Information

Grade 6

Salary £32,080 - £33,951 pro rata

Work arrangement 20 hours per week

Duration 12 months from start of project

Line manager Robert Bryant

Direct reports Samantha Bharath - School Manager

Right to work in the UK This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker sponsorship under the UK Visa & Immigration points-based system. Information on alternative visa options is available on www.gov.uk.

Our website https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/eee

For informal enquiries about this job, contact Dr Robert Bryant at r.g.bryant @sheffield.ac.uk .

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in Early October. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 28.09.2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact [e-mail]

Closing Date :23/09/2026

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society.We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision ( www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision ) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.