Job Description
About the Role
The University of Reading invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) to join an ambitious, internationally funded research project in the area of biometrics and identity management. This full-time, fixed-term position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research with real-world impact in the field of border security and identity verification.
The role is based within the Department of Computer Science, part of the School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences, which is recognised for world-leading research in data science, computational science, and computer vision.
Research Environment
You will join the Computational Vision Group (CVG), led by Professor Ferryman, which focuses on computational perception, reasoning, and image interpretation. The group is actively involved in high-profile European research collaborations.
This post is funded through the EU-supported AutoBorder project, which aims to design and deploy advanced identity verification technologies for vehicles on the move in border-control environments. The project brings together academic and industry partners across Europe to address complex challenges in security, mobility, and digital identity.
Key Responsibilities
As PDRA, you will play a central role in research and development activities related to traveller identity management. Your responsibilities will include:
Designing, developing, and evaluating technologies for:
- Passenger counting
- Behaviour analysis
- Traveller and vehicle risk assessment
- Extended Reality (XR) wearable systems
- Writing and maintaining research software using appropriate programming languages (such as Python) and integrating external libraries, APIs, and SDKs
- Contributing to academic outputs, including journal papers, conference publications, and technical reports
- Participating in project activities such as data collection, system integration, demonstrations, trials, and evaluations
- Delivering project milestones to agreed timelines, including presentations of research outcomes
- Collaborating with academic and commercial partners across Europe, including attending international meetings and virtual project discussions
- Supporting teaching activities and contributing to University outreach, recruitment, and promotional events where appropriate
About You
This role would suit a motivated post-doctoral researcher with a strong interest in applied research at the intersection of computer vision, biometrics, and identity systems. You will be comfortable working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and managing research deliverables within structured project timelines.
Visa and Right to Work Information
By reference to the applicable Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, sponsorship may be possible under the UK Skilled Worker visa route. Applicants considering this route should ensure they meet the required points threshold before applying.
Useful UK Government guidance includes:
Skilled Worker visa:
Skilled Worker points system
Right to work in the UK
The University is unable to provide individual visa advice at the application stage and will discuss immigration routes only with shortlisted candidates.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Reading is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive research environment. We actively support:
- The Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality
- The Race Equality Charter
- Equality and inclusion for LGBT+ staff and students
We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and welcome applications from disabled candidates. Applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements will be considered in line with operational needs.
