Vacancies at the Defence Research Agency (Malvern, UK)

[John V. Black]

VACANCIES IN PATTERN & INFORMATION PROCESSING
AT THE
DEFENCE RESEARCH AGENCY (DRA)
IN
MALVERN, WORCESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND


Vacancies

The Pattern & Information Processing (PIP) group within the Signal & 
Information Processing department has vacancies for research staff 
interested in Artificial Neural Networks or Statistical Pattern Recognition. 


Members of PIP invent, develop and provide advice on techniques which can be 
used to understand and interpret data/information in order to either aid 
decision-makers or automate decision-making. Techniques currently under 
investigation include novel self-organising networks; modifications to 
standard techniques to incorporate prior knowledge and known invariances, 
statistical pattern recognition techniques; multi-level information 
processing; fusion algorithms; tracking; classification; Bayesian inference; 
neural networks; decision making; and analogue information processing 
systems.

Our aim is to research the underlying theoretical foundation of relevant 
techniques to create the knowledge and deep understanding required to 
provide advice for all DRA projects involving these techniques. 
Mathematical rigour with a methodical approach to experimental validation 
provides the necessary solid foundations for our work. The general emphasis 
is on techniques which are applicable to many domains but support is also 
provided to specific collaborative projects which both demonstrate the 
usefulness of our techniques and stimulate further developments.

All members of staff are encouraged to develop to their full potential via 
continuing professional development based upon a wide range of training 
opportunities, including international conferences. Initially, a successful 
recruit may undertake work ranging from long term research to shorter term 
applications studies and consultancy, if appropriate. They will also be 
given every encouragement to initiate new research projects, develop/expand 
existing research themes and liaise with other projects. Starting salary 
will be based upon relevant experience in the range 10-26K Pounds Sterling
(under review) or higher for exceptional candidates.


Qualifications & Experience

We have the flexibility to make appointments appropriate for applicants 
ranging from new graduates to experienced researchers.

Successful candidates will probably have a good first degree in an 
appropriate scientific discipline. Proven research experience, typically a 
higher degree or equivalent, in one or more relevant areas such as 
information fusion, information processing, pattern recognition (including
neural networks), decision support, statistical modelling or physical 
modelling, is preferable. It is also important that applicants be experienced 
in the software development of algorithms, models and experiments. Knowledge 
of defence applications projects would be an advantage for more senior 
appointments.

Please note that successful applicants will need to be security cleared by 
the UK Ministry of Defence.

DRA is an equal opportunities employer.


Applications

Application forms can be obtained from :

CIS Recruitment Office
G Building
Defence Research Agency
St Andrews Road
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 3PS
Telephone : (01684) 895642

Please mark any such applications for the attention of G D Whitaker, CIS5 
department.


Further information

Further information about the DRA can be obtained on the world wide web 
(http://www.dra.hmg.gb/) although the PIP home page is still under 
construction and so not yet visible.  Alternatively, e-mail 
gdw at signal.dra.hmg.gb with any specific questions or with CVs prior to 
submission of a formal application.