Science Officer - AI and Imaging
Science Officer - AI and Imaging
We are seeking an enthusiastic individual to join Kew’s Mycorrhizal Ecology team working on the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme, one of Kew’s largest Defra-funded projects, aimed at integrating mycorrhizal fungi into soil monitoring networks across England. The post-holder will manage and improve a pioneering machine vision tool designed to recognise and quantify mycorrhizal fungal colonisation in plant roots, and work on the creation and upkeep of a digitised image dataset using an in-house slide scanner. They will also contribute to the publication of academic research articles about image digitisation and AI.
More details
Our ideal candidate will be educated to MSc/MRes level in computer science, artificial intelligence, biology or a related field, or have equivalent professional experience in these fields. They will be proficient in Python and have experience working with machine learning algorithms, particularly in the field of machine vision. In working with the tool, the post-holder will be required to communicate progress to a non-specialist team, as well as assessing non-specialist user requirements and integrating the team’s mycorrhizal expertise into the tool. They will also collaborate with Kew IT to ensure effective maintenance of the tool in accordance with Kew's IT principles. Applicants should therefore be comfortable working both collaboratively and independently, demonstrating excellent written and verbal communication skills.
As the manager of a large, digitised image dataset with accompanying metadata, the candidate should be organised, experienced in image processing, and able to liaise with a team of research assistants. Experience with the quality assessment of complex images is also desirable, along with an interest in biology, especially regarding fungi and/or plants.
Interviews are due to take place during 22-24 April.
This role is based at Kew Gardens with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.
We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.
Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.
The salary for this position is £38,100 - £40,900 per annum (pro rata), depending on skills and experience [Band D]
Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.
If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking “Apply for this job”.
We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
No agencies please.