Post-Doctoral Research Assistant – in Biometrics and Identity Management(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
About the Role
The Department of Computer Science at the University of Reading is seeking a highly capable Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) to contribute to an ambitious research and development programme focused on biometrics and traveller identity management.
This role is part of a major EU-funded border security initiative, offering a rare opportunity to work at the cutting edge of applied research in automated identity verification for vehicles in motion. The successful candidate will join the Computational Vision Group (CVG), a world-leading research team specialising in perception, reasoning, and image understanding.
The Research Project
You will work on AutoBorder, a European Commission–funded project under the Civil Security for Society programme. Led by Professor Ferryman, AutoBorder aims to design, develop, and deploy next-generation identity verification technologies for border control scenarios involving vehicles on the move.
Your work will support the development of robust, real-time systems that enhance security while maintaining efficiency and user trust.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
Design, implement, and evaluate technologies for:
- Passenger counting
- Behaviour and risk analysis
- Traveller and vehicle identity assessment
- Extended Reality (XR) wearable systems
- Develop software using appropriate programming languages (e.g. Python) and integrate external libraries, APIs, and SDKs
- Contribute to data collection, system integration, field trials, and performance evaluation
- Deliver project outputs under defined timelines, including software components, technical reports, and research publications
- Publish findings in high-impact academic journals and present results at conferences and project meetings
- Collaborate closely with academic and industry partners across Europe
- Support selected teaching, outreach, and recruitment activities, such as University Open Days
About You
You will be a motivated researcher with a strong interest in applied computer vision, biometrics, and identity systems. You should be able to demonstrate:
- A PhD (or near completion) in Computer Science or a closely related discipline
- Experience in software development for research purposes
- Familiarity with biometrics, identity management, computer vision, or behavioural analysis
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team
Visa and Right to Work Information
Sponsorship may be available for this role under the UK Skilled Worker route, subject to eligibility and the relevant SOC code. Candidates considering sponsorship should review official guidance before applying. Visa discussions will only take place with shortlisted applicants.
Helpful UK government resources include:
- Skilled Worker visa overview
- UK points-based immigration system
- Right to work checks
- Visas for researchers and academics
- Equality Act 2010 guidance
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Reading is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive working environment. We actively support the Athena SWAN Charter, the Race Equality Charter, and LGBTQ+ equality, and we are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Flexible working options, including job-share and part-time arrangements, are encouraged and considered in line with operational needs.
