Research Assistant, School of Computing & Information Sciences (26/124/CIS/RA)

Saint Francis University; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Francis University invites applications for a Research Assistant in the Yam Pak Charitable Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences on an RGC-funded project. The role focuses on an AIoT structural health monitoring and EARLY-warning system for construction tower cranes in Hong Kong.

The appointee will join engineers and data scientists, deploy sensor networks, develop embedded firmware and data pipelines, and contribute to publishable research outputs related to construction

Qualifications

• Honours degree in Electronic Engineering or related discipline (Master's/MPhil advantageous).
• Experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers and sensors (Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, STM32).
• Signal processing and data analysis using Python and/or MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble and calibrate IoT sensor nodes and wireless data-acquisition hardware.
• Deploy and maintain monitoring instrumentation on laboratory cranes and on-site towers.
• Develop firmware and data pipelines for real-time data acquisition, transmission and visualization.
• Perform other project-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Embedded systems

Sensor interfacing

Python

MATLAB

English & Cantonese

Education

Honours degree in Electronic Engineering or related field

Tools

Arduino

ESP32

Raspberry Pi

STM32

Job description

"Saint Francis University (SFU), formerly known as Caritas Institute of Higher Education, has a history of over four decades, with its origins tracing back to the establishment of Caritas Francis Hsu College in 1985. SFU was officially granted university status in 2024 and became a University of Applied Sciences (UAS) in the same year.

As a pioneer of UAS education in Hong Kong, SFU integrates theory and practice through over 40 programmes across sub-degree, undergraduate and postgraduate levels in a wide range of disciplines, including Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages, Artificial Intelligence and Technology, Business and Hotel Management, as well as Design and Film Production. The University is committed to nurturing a new generation of talents equipped with solid professional knowledge, positive life and ethical values, and the spirit of lifelong learning.

Research Assistant, Yam Pak Charitable Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences(Ref.: 26/124/CIS/RA)

The University invites applications for a research position on an RGC-funded collaborative project that develops an AIoT structural health monitoring and EARLY-warning system for construction tower cranes. The project combines a "Digital Triple" methodology — a scaled physical prototype governed by dynamic similarity, finite element modelling, and physics-informed AI digital twins — with wireless sensor networks, edge computing, and deep learning (1D-DCNN / LSTM) to detect structural fatigue and damage and to predict and prevent crane instability and collapse. The appointee will join a multidisciplinary team of engineers and data scientists, work with real instrumented crane structures and laboratory prototypes, and contribute to publishable research outputs of direct relevance to construction safety in Hong Kong.

Duties

• designing, assembling and calibrating IoT sensor nodes (MEMS accelerometers, strain gauges, inclinometers, anemometers, GNSS/IMU units) and their wireless data-acquisition and edge-computing hardware;
• deploying and maintaining monitoring instrumentation on laboratory crane prototypes and on-site tower cranes, including wiring, power, communications and enclosure work;
• developing embedded firmware and data pipelines for real-time acquisition, transmission, storage and visualisation of vibration and structural response data; and
• performing other project-related duties as assigned.

Appointment Criteria

Applicants Should Have

• an honours degree in Electronic Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, or a closely related discipline (a Master's/MPhil degree will be an advantage);
• practical experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers and sensors (e.g. Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, STM32), sensor interfacing and IoT communication protocols (Wi-Fi, LoRa, MQTT, 4G/5G);
• competence in signal processing and data analysis using Python and/or MATLAB;
• the ability to work independently, carry out laboratory and field work, and troubleshoot hardware and software problems systematically; and
• a good command of written and spoken English and Chinese (Cantonese), with strong technical report-writing skills.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in structural health monitoring, vibration measurement, edge AI, digital twins, or construction-related instrumentation.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Saint Francis University reserve the right not to make an appointment for the post advertised, and the appointment will be made according to the terms and conditions applicable at the time of offer. All personal data provided by the applicants will be treated in strict confidence and used only for recruitment and employment-related purposes.

The Saint Francis University is equal opportunity employers.