Post-Doctoral Research Assistant- in Biometrics and Identity Management(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Opportunity

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) to join a high-profile, international research programme focused on biometrics and identity management for border security.

You will be part of a major EU-funded research and development project, contributing to the creation of advanced identity verification technologies designed for real-world deployment at borders. The work is highly applied, interdisciplinary, and internationally collaborative, offering excellent exposure to both academic and operational environments.

This role is ideal for a motivated researcher who wants to see their work move beyond theory into practical, tested solutions that address real societal and security challenges.

All research activity will align with UK and international standards on data protection, security, and ethical research, including:

Research Environment

The post is based in the Department of Computer Science, within the School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences (SMPCS) at the University of Reading.

The Department is internationally recognised for research in Data Science and Computational Science. You will join the Computational Vision Group (CVG), led by Professor Mark Ferryman, which focuses on perception, reasoning, and intelligent image interpretation.

Professor Ferryman is the Principal Investigator on AutoBorder, a major European Commission project funded under the Civil Security for Society programme. AutoBorder aims to design and deploy next-generation identity verification technologies for vehicles on the move, supporting secure and efficient border management.

This work supports wider public-sector objectives in border security and digital identity innovation,

What You’ll Be Working On

As a PDRA, your core focus will be research and development in traveller identity management. You will contribute directly to innovative solutions used in real operational contexts.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing, developing, and evaluating biometric and behavioural analysis technologies
• Research into passenger counting, behaviour analysis, and traveller/vehicle risk assessment
• Development and integration of software solutions using languages such as Python
• Working with APIs, SDKs, and external software modules
• Exploring the use of Extended Reality (XR) wearable technologies
• Supporting data collection, system integration, demonstrations, and evaluation trials
• Delivering project milestones under tight timelines, including software, reports, and technical documentation
• Publishing research in high-quality academic journals and presenting findings at conferences
• Collaborating with academic and commercial partners across Europe
• Attending international project meetings and contributing to online technical discussions
• Supporting teaching activities and University outreach, such as Open Days
• Research involving personal data and security technologies will be conducted in line with national and international regulatory expectations

About You

You will be an early-career researcher with strong technical skills and a collaborative mindset, keen to work on impactful applied research.

You will bring:

• A PhD (or near completion) in Computer Science, Biometrics, Computer Vision, AI, or a related field
• Experience in research-led software development
• Strong programming skills (e.g. Python)
• Familiarity with data-driven or vision-based systems
• Confidence working across disciplines and with external partners
• The ability to balance independent research with team-based project delivery
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• You will be proactive, adaptable, and motivated by solving complex problems in real-world contexts.

Visa and Right to Work Information

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting points-based eligibility requirements linked to the relevant SOC code.

Applicants considering sponsorship are advised to review official guidance before applying

Visa options will be discussed only with candidates invited to interview.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Reading is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and diverse research community. We proudly support:

• The Athena SWAN Charter
• The Race Equality Charter
• LGBT+ equality initiatives
• We are also a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2)

Applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with project requirements.