Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Imaging: from radio astronomy to magnetic resonance imaging in medicine
Contract: Full-time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term Contract for 18 Months
Salary: Grade 7 - £38,448 - £48,337 per annum
Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full-time staff.
Detailed Description
The Biomedical and Astronomical Signal Processing (BASP) Laboratory at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, is recruiting a multidisciplinary team of postdoctoral researchers to develop next-generation computational imaging algorithms, from fundamental theory and methods to transformative applications in radio astronomy and medical imaging. The start date is March 05, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.
BASP’s research spans the full spectrum of computational imaging, from mathematical foundations and algorithm development to high-impact scientific and medical applications.
Multiple positions are available through research projects awarded to Professor Yves Wiaux, Head of BASP, by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), through the AI-CLEAN project, and the Oxford Breakthrough Listen Hub, through the XIRI project. These projects aim to advance the next generation of computational imaging algorithms for radio astronomy, with the potential for technology transfer to medical imaging.
The overarching ambition is to harness cutting-edge AI to deliver a new generation of computational imaging algorithms combining unprecedented precision, robustness, computational efficiency and scalability. The primary application is extreme-scale radio-interferometric imaging for next-generation facilities such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), with subsequent transfer of the developed methodologies to fast, dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Deep learning will provide powerful data-driven representations and reconstruction capabilities, while Agentic AI will enable specialised AI agents to collaborate, assess intermediate results and adapt reconstruction strategies to the data, measurement physics and imaging task. By combining these complementary capabilities, the research will move beyond fixed reconstruction pipelines towards more adaptive, intelligent and reliable imaging algorithms.
A central challenge is to harness the expressive power of deep learning and the adaptability of Agentic AI while preserving the mathematical guarantees, physical interpretability and reliability essential for scientific imaging. The research will develop principled approaches to image estimation and uncertainty quantification, aiming to deliver high-fidelity reconstructions that are not only computationally efficient but also scientifically trustworthy.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The postholders will conduct cutting-edge research in computational imaging, contributing to one or more aspects of the projects, from high-dimensional data modelling and imaging algorithm development to high-performance software implementation, validation through simulation, and application to impactful astronomical and medical case studies.
Appointments will typically be for an initial period of 1 year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years, subject to research progress.
Education, Qualifications and Experience
We are seeking outstanding candidates with a PhD, or close to completion, in astronomy, physics, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science or a related discipline.
Candidates should have expertise in computational imaging and/or in one of the target application domains: radio interferometry or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Essential Criteria
- A PhD, or near completion of a PhD, in a relevant discipline.
- Expertise in computational imaging, radio interferometry or MRI.
- Ability to conduct self-directed research and develop innovative solutions.
- A strong publication record commensurate with career stage.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working in multicultural and multidisciplinary research environments.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a research team.
- Demonstrated capacity for independent research and initiative.
- Experience in PhD student supervision or mentoring.
How to Apply
Applications should comprise a single PDF document containing a motivation letter, CV, publication list, and the names and contact details of three referees.
The PDF should be submitted through the Heriot-Watt University Job Portal.
Applications should be submitted prior to Friday 05 March, 2027. The screening of candidates will start in December 2026 and continue until the positions are filled.
Informal enquiries about the positions are welcome and should be directed to Professor Yves Wiaux at y.wiaux@hw.ac.uk.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/.
Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.
About Heriot-Watt University
At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.
Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
