Job Description
We are pleased to announce a fantastic opportunity for ambitious computer scientists to join our Computer Science Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Programme!
How does it work?
Candidates will study for a four year, full time funded PhD (3 quarters of your time) whilst working and receiving a salary to gain valuable teaching experience (1 quarter of your time). Candidates will receive a salary and stipend package that exceeds the standard UKRI stipend for a full-time PhD.
Home/RoI Students will have their PhD fees waived, International students will receive a fee waiver equivalent to the Home/RoI fee and will be expected to fund the difference between the International fee and the Home/RoI fee. There will be a package of support to enable you to develop a research career in this exciting field.
PhD Topic: Investigation of semi-supervised solutions in cloud detection from remote sensing.
Earth observation satellite imagery provides earth surface appearance as well as physical properties. However, clouds over the surface (including oceans) negatively affect the observation of optical images. To understand true surface properties, cloud detect is required to identify which pixels within an image are dominated by cloud-free regions, as opposed to cloud dominated pixels. The imagery involved is usually in multiple spectral captured by satellites. The project aims to design and develop algorithms to automatically detect cloud dominated pixels from given satellite images with limited annotated samples in learning/training.
The project aims to apply computer vision and machine learning technologies in cloud detection from remotely sensed imagery by using limited training samples. With respect to the aim, the following objectives are specified.
Investigate semi-supervised learning mechanisms in dealing with multi-spectral images.
From the computer vision point of view, analyse remotely sensed images with respect to their physical characteristics against image features, which correspond to thick cloud, light cloud, and cloud-free regions.
Develop algorithms, combined with findings from computer vision and machine learning, for the cloud detection purpose with effective but limited training samples.
You will need to demonstrate you:
- meet the academic requirements for a PhD offer from the University of Reading.
- have a good (1st or 2.1) first degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Mathematical Science, Meteorology, Physics or closely related subjects
- are able to effectively organise your time and prioritise tasks to balance PhD studies with GTA responsibilities
- are able to demonstrate scholarship in developing a publication record in your area of specialist expertise and conduct high quality PhD research.
- are able to communicate scientific concepts clearly and with enthusiasm and in a way that engages students
- Have good interpersonal skills and be able to work as part of a team
See candidate pack at the bottom of the page for further details.
Candidates will be provided with training to develop teaching and pedagogical skills, no prior experience of teaching is necessary. On the research side, our package of support includes access to MSc courses and bespoke training through our Postgraduate and Researcher College will help you in developing your professional skills as a researcher.
Working hours for the teaching portion will be variable during the academic year but will be no more than 20 hours per week. The terms of the offer of funding for the PhD and the offer of employment will rely upon the postholder being registered as a full-time doctoral student.
Successful candidates will be paid an annual salary (£8745) and stipend (£15585 per annum) over the 4 year period and will have PhD fees waived at the Home level (Please note that students liable for international fees will need to pay the difference between these and the home fee rate). Fees for 2025/26 (amount payable each year) can be found here.
How do I apply?
You must upload a combined CV and Proposal in pdf format (max size 1 MB) and complete the supporting statement.
Closing date: 04/042025
Interview: week commencing 21/04/2025
We look forward to hearing from you!
Contact details for advert
Contact Name Dr Hong Wei
Contact Job Title Associate Professor in Computer Science
Contact Email address h.wei@reading.ac.uk
Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, non-UK candidates who do not already have permission to work in the UK should note that by reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship will not be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
