Job Description
Job title
Job family
Computer Vision Research Associate in 2D and 3D
Motion Capture and Analysis (Elite Sport and
Rehabilitation)
Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment
Research and Applications (CAMERA) / Department of
Computer Science
Education and Research
Grade
7
Reporting to
Dr Darren Cosker
Responsible for
Some co-supervision (with the PI) of doctoral or
undergraduate students may be required.
Location
University of Bath premises
Department/School
Background and context
The Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications
(CAMERA) is a new EPSRC funded research centre based at the Universiy of Bath
(Departments of Computer Science and Health). CAMERA has over £10m of initial
research commitment, including £5m from the Engineering and Physical Science
Research Council (EPSRC) and an expectation for growth and long-term
sustainability beyond the current 5-year funding. The aim of CAMERA is to create
research impact in the areas of Entertainment, Human Performance Enhancement
(e.g. Sport and Training) and Assistive Technologies (e.g. Health). A central theme is
the application of entertainment technologies (e.g. Motion Capture) to new areas in
Sport, Training and Health with existing external partners.
CAMERA has several existing world-class partners across Entertainment, Sport and
Health, including: The Imaginarium, The Foundy, The Ministry of Defence (MoD),
British Maritime Technologies (BMT) and British Skeleton.
Job purpose
We are seeking a talented, enthusiastic and motivated Computer Vision researcher to
develop highly accurate marker-less 2D and 3D motion capture and analysis
algorithms. The post-holder will work closely with biomechanics and rehabilitation
experts to evolve and develop these techniques for use with elite athletes (British
Skeleton in the first instance) and patients recovering from limb injury (with the MoD).
The post-holder will also be strongly encouraged to overlap with other researchers in
CAMERA to apply these techniques to motion analysis in video games and visual
effects with The Imaginarium and The Foundry. This would involve sharing code and
algorithms and engaging with joint paper writing. There is also the further prospects to
use these techniques in commercial opportunities that might arise.
Main duties and responsibilities
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Responsible to the PI (Dr. Darren Cosker) for:
Research and Develop marker-less motion capture and analysis techniques in
2D and 3D – taking a lead in the experimental design and execution of the
project. This is primarily alongside biomechanics and rehabilitation researchers
within CAMERA. However, this will also overlap with other motion capture
computer vision and graphics researchers within CAMERA in terms of
disseminating research and sharing results.
Apply motion analysis techniques primarily to elite sport and rehabilitation.
There is also the opportunity to apply successful techniques to entertainment
based projects within CAMERA.
Liaise closely with and support other CAMERA centre of staff working on
related fields to the common benefit of the centre
Write papers for publication in leading research journals and/or leading
national/international conference proceedings or other outputs as appropriate
Participate regularly in group meetings and prepare and deliver presentations
to project team, internal and external stakeholders or funders.
Disseminate research at national and/or international conferences (via
presentations and posters) and/ or at other appropriate events such as
workshops with partners.
Assist with the supervision of graduate students and undergraduate project
students and the assessment of student knowledge.
Continually update knowledge and understanding in field or specialism to
inform research activity.
Engage effectively in non-academic impact of research, including knowledge or
technology exchange and/or public engagement activities, involving a range of
partnerships with external organisations
Work closely with existing and potential new external partners enabling the
sport and rehabilitation partners to gain benefits from the project.
Identify further research funding sources and other expansion possibilities
relevant to the CAMERA centre and provide assistance in securing these
further resources
Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with
assistance of a mentor if required.
Project management: e.g. timetabling and meeting project milestones;
participating in regular discussions with collaborative partners. Liaise with key
stakeholders/industrial partners and conduct focus groups.
Disseminate knowledge of research advances to inform departmental teaching
effort.
Person Specification
Criteria
Qualifications
PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics
or Engineering.
Essential
Desirable
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Experience/Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge and awareness of the
latest developments/research approaches in at
least one of: (1) rigid/non-rigid 2D Computer Vision
tracking algorithms, (2) 3D multi-view stereo
reconstruction and tracking (e.g. scene flow)
algorithms, (3) model based tracking (2D or 3D).
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Evidence of published research in high quality peer
reviewed journals and/or conferences
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Knowledge and understanding with some practical
experience of current motion analysis systems
(e.g. Vicon, Qualisys, XSens and/or Motus)
√
Post doctoral experience
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Demonstrated significant depth and breadth of
specialist knowledge of subject matter to contribute
to research programmes and to the development
of departmental research activities.
Skills
Strong programming skills in one or more of:
Matlab / C++ / Python
Strong mathematical ability (particularly linear
algebra)
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Contemporary theoretical knowledge and practical
experience of 3D multi-view stereo reconstruction
techniques.
Ability to prepare research proposals, to conduct
individual research work and to disseminate results
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Ability to organise and prioritise own workload
√
Ability to write research reports and to effectively
disseminate outcomes
√
Excellent oral, interpersonal and written
communication skills
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Proficiency in IT skills (as appropriate to discipline)
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Attributes
Innovation and developing creative solutions
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Enthusiasm and self-motivation.
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Organisation – able to plan and deliver work to
meet required deadlines
Tenacity – working to achieve own and team
objectives and to overcome obstacles
Ability to be an effective team worker to achieve
high quality research papers and results
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