Research Assistant / Research Associate (Fixed Term)
University of Cambridge – Department of Computer Science and Technology
Cambridge, United Kingdom
General Description
The University of Cambridge is inviting applications for the position of Research Assistant / Research Associate within the Department of Computer Science and Technology. The role is offered on a fixed-term basis with funding available for two years in the first instance.
This position forms part of the TESSERA project, which has developed a globally significant foundation model for Earth observation that processes satellite imagery worldwide at 10-metre resolution. The successful candidate will join a leading research team working at the intersection of computer vision, deep learning, and environmental science.
The appointed researcher will conduct original research focused on anomaly detection, change detection, and semantic interpretation of remote sensing imagery. The work will involve extending and building upon the TESSERA platform to advance methods for analysing large-scale Earth observation data.
The Department of Computer Science and Technology at Cambridge has a global reputation for excellence in academic research, consistently achieving top research ratings. The department fosters an open, collaborative research culture and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration both within the university and with external partners. The environment supports transformative computing research and the development of innovative ideas with real-world impact.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on holding a PhD. Candidates who have submitted their doctoral thesis but have not yet been awarded their PhD will initially be appointed at the Research Assistant level, with promotion to Research Associate once the PhD is awarded. The successful candidate will also receive an additional 2.5% supplement to the base salary.
The University of Cambridge strongly supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. All employees must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom.
Eligibility Criteria
PhD in Computer Science, Computer Vision, Remote Sensing, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent experience.
Candidates who have submitted their PhD thesis but not yet received the award may apply and will initially be appointed at Research Assistant level.
Ability to conduct independent research within a collaborative academic environment.
Required expertise/skills
Strong expertise in deep learning, computer vision, and image analysis.
Demonstrated experience in remote sensing or Earth observation applications.
Proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch.
Experience working with large-scale computing environments.
Familiarity with hyperspectral imagery, channel-adaptive methods, or zero-shot/cross-modality approaches in remote sensing is advantageous.
Ability to conduct high-quality research and contribute to collaborative scientific projects.
Salary details
£33,002 – £46,049 per annum, depending on level of appointment (Research Assistant or Research Associate), plus an additional 2.5% salary supplement.
Application Deadline
8 March 2026