Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) - Investigation of semi-supervised solutions in cloud detection from remote sensing

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, non-UK candidates who do not already have permission to work in the UK should note that by reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship will not be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. There is further information about this on theUK Visas and Immigration Website.

Part-time, fixed-term (4 year) role.

Closing date: 23:59 GMT 20 July 2025

Interview date: to be confirmed

We are pleased to announce a fantastic opportunity for ambitious computer scientists to join our Computer Science Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Programme!

How does it work?

Candidates will study for a four year, full time funded PhD (3 quarters of your time) whilst working and receiving a salary to gain valuable teaching experience (1 quarter of your time). Candidates will receive a salary and stipend package that exceeds the standard UKRI stipend for a full-time PhD.

Home/RoI Students will have their PhD fees waived, International students will receive a fee waiver equivalent to the Home/RoI fee and will be expected to fund the difference between the International fee and the Home/RoI fee. There will be a package of support to enable you to develop a research career in this exciting field.

PhD Topic:Investigation of semi-supervised solutions in cloud detection from remote sensing.

Earth observation satellite imagery provides earth surface appearance as well as physicalproperties.However, clouds over the surface (including oceans) negatively affect the observation of optical images. To understand true surface properties, cloud detect is required to identify which pixels within an image are dominated by cloud-free regions, as opposed to cloud dominated pixels.Theimagery involved is usually in multiple spectral captured by satellites. The project aims to design and develop algorithms to automatically detect cloud dominated pixels from given satellite images with limited annotated samples inlearning/training.

The project aims to apply computer vision and machine learning technologies in cloud detection from remotely sensed imagery by using limited training samples. With respect to the aim, the following objectives are specified.

1. Investigate semi-supervised learning mechanisms in dealing with multi-spectralimages.

2. From the computer vision point of view, analyse remotely sensed images with respecttotheir physical characteristics against image features, which correspond to thick cloud, light cloud, and cloud-free regions.

3. Develop algorithms, combined with findings from computer vision and machine learning, for the cloud detection purpose with effective but limited training samples.:

You will need to demonstrate you:

• meet the academic requirements for a PhD offer from the University of Reading

• have a MSc degree in Computer Science or a related discipline

• are able to effectively organise your time and prioritise tasks to balance PhD studies with GTA responsibilities

• are able to demonstrate scholarship in developing a publication record in your area of specialist expertise and conduct high quality PhD research

• are able to communicate scientific concepts clearly and with enthusiasm and in a way that engages students

• Have good interpersonal skills and be able to work as part of a team

See candidate pack at the bottom of the page for further details.

Candidates will be provided with training to develop teaching and pedagogical skills,no prior experience of teaching is necessary. On the research side, our package of support includes access to MSc courses and bespoke training through ourPostgraduate and Researcher Collegewill help you in developing your professional skills as a researcher.

Working hours for the teaching portion will be variable during the academic year but will be no more than 20 hours per week. The terms of the offer of funding for the PhD and the offer of employment will rely upon the postholder being registered as a full-time doctoral student.

Successful candidates will be paid an annual salary (£8745) and stipend (£15585 per annum) over the 4 year period and will have PhD fees waived at the Home level (Please note that students liable for international fees will need to pay the difference between these and the home fee rate).Fees for 2025/26 (amount payable each year) can be foundhere.

How do I apply?

You must upload a combined CV and Proposal in pdf format(max size 1 MB)and complete the supporting statement.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Contact NameDr Hong Wei

Contact Job TitleAssociate Professor in Computer Science

Contact Email address