Research Assistant, Image Analysis, Computer Science
Join a dynamic, world-class, collaborative science team at the intersection of Computer Science and Ecology. We are seeking a motivated individual to join the Boreal Plains Aerial Imaging research project, in collaboration between the Population Ecology (Biology) and Biological Imaging and Graphics (Computer Science) research labs. This exciting research project involves surveilling the Boreal Plains Ecozone to understand the causes and mitigate consequences of environmental change.
Primary Purpose: This position supports technical aspects of the Boreal Plains Aerial Imaging research project, by developing image analysis and machine learning algorithms and tools for aerial imaging and analysis. You will also contribute to data collection, data curation, and the development of a data portal for project stakeholders.
Nature of Work: The Research Technician will work within the existing Boreal Plains Aerial Imaging team, reporting to the project manager. The team works regular work hours from offices in the new Collaborative Science Research Building (regular weekly meetings require in-person attendance).
Typical Duties:
- Collaborate closely with Computer Science and Biology team members, and project stakeholders
- Assist in the collection, organization, curation, and annotation of aerial imagery
- Develop image analysis and machine learning algorithm and software for object detection and object classification to identify and track animals from aerial images
- Develop image analysis and machine learning algorithm and software for measuring environment and landscape features from aerial images
- Develop a web-application, data-portal and visualization dashboard to make datasets and results available to project stakeholders
- Write and maintain developer and user documentation for all software tools and web-applications developed for the project
- Uphold principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and the project’s commitments to First Nations principles of Ownership, Control, Access, Protection of data
- Work with and mentor undergraduate and graduate students on the project
- Attend and participate in regular project update meetings (in-person)
Education: BSc in Computer Science or related field (required). Graduate degree in Computer Science or related field (recommended). Any educational training in Biology/Ecology would be considered an asset.
Experience: Experience in python and web programming, image analysis algorithms, developing/training/testing machine learning models. Experience with satellite imagery (e.g. Google Earth Engine) would be an asset.
Skills: This position requires attention to detail, an ability to work independently and the ability to contribute to a dynamic team environment. Candidates must possess very good oral and written communication skills in the English language.
Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Ian Stavness at 306-966-7995.
Department: Computer Science
Status: Term One year with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $53,001.00 - 74,217.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 6
Posted Date: 5/1/2025
Closing Date: 5/28/2025
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines
The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.