Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge - Department of Computer Science and Technology

Location: Cambridge

Salary: £33,002 to £46,049 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 24th February 2026

Closes: 8th March 2026

Job Ref: NR48855

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

The Department of Computer Science and Technology is an academic department that encompasses computer science along with many aspects of engineering, technology and mathematics. We have a worldwide reputation for academic research with consistent top research ratings. The Department has an open and collaborative culture, supporting revolutionary fundamental computer science research, strong cross-cutting collaborations internally and externally, and ideas which transform computing outside the University. Please follow the link at: https://www.cst.cam.ac.uk to find out more about our department.

The TESSERA project has developed a globally significant foundation model for Earth observation, processing satellite imagery at 10-metre resolution worldwide. This Research Associate position offers an exceptional opportunity to join the project and contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of computer vision, deep learning, and environmental science.

We now seek a Research Associate who will conduct original research on anomaly detection, change detection, and semantic interpretation of remote sensing imagery, building on and extending the TESSERA platform.

Requirements: The role is particularly suited to a researcher with Strong expertise in deep learning, computer vision, and image analysis, with demonstrable experience in remote sensing or Earth observation applications. Proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch); experience with large-scale computing environments and experience with hyperspectral imagery, channel-adaptive methods, or zero-shot/cross-modality approaches in remote sensing. PhD (or near completion) in computer science, computer vision, remote sensing, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent experience.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

In addition to the base salary stated above, the successful candidate for this post will receive an additional 2.5% supplement to their pay.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

Questions about the post and the recruitment process may be addressed to the HR Team at hr-admin@cst.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference NR48855 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.