Department of Natural Sciences
Hourly Pay Rate:
£15.36 hourly pay + £1.85per hour holiday pay
Hours Per Week
16
Duration of role:
One off role
All Locations
Manchester campus (Jobs4Students)
Closing Date:
23 Nov 2025
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Job Description

The current opportunity is available for current Manchester Met students, to apply you must be based in the UK for the duration of the role.
 
The main purpose of this role is to provide research support to colleagues and support staff for the AI-driven Digital Twins for Animal Welfare project by assisting with research data collection and analysis, and the dissemination of findings to appropriate research groups and contacts related to the project.

Support the development of new areas in the field of AI-based 3D reconstruction and digital modelling for animal welfare science.
 
Dates: 1st December 2025 - 6th February 2026
Hours: Up to 16 
Location: Dalton Building

Key Tasks
Research Activities

  • Assist with the processing and analysis of 3D LiDAR and photogrammetry data from zoo and aquarium enclosures.

  • Support the development and testing of AI-based mesh optimisation pipelines, including denoising, segmentation, and surface reconstruction.

  • Undertake computational modelling and data visualisation using Python-based tools and machine learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch, Open3D).

  • Contribute to the creation of simulation-ready digital twins for use in acoustic, visual, and hydrodynamic modelling of animal habitats.

  • Support data organisation, documentation, and preparation of exemplar datasets for open-access release via GitHub and Morphosource.

  • Assist in preparing figures, datasets, and short reports for project meetings and publications

  • Undertake computational and applied AI research using machine learning–based 3D reconstruction, mesh optimisation, and point cloud processing methods, requiring:

  • Use of specialist computational equipment and software requiring precision and attention to detail, including GPU-enabled workstations, 3D data processing tools (CloudCompare, MeshLab), and AI frameworks.

  • Occasional handling of large data files (>500 GB), requiring careful data management and version control.

  • Plan and prioritise own work and resources, within research project framework, in order to determine the most effective way to achieve agreed research objectives.

  •  Conduct literature and database searches using standard techniques and methods.

  •  Write up results of own research and prepare for presentation to research team and relevant stakeholders.

  •  Contribute to the production of research reports and publications.

  •  Use initiative and judgement to develop appropriate techniques in order to facilitate research work and resolve problems affecting the achievement of objectives and deadlines. 

    • Liaison and Networking
    Present research to the team and in appropriate articles for publication, such as academic/professional journals or conferences.
     Participate in internal and external partnerships and networks in order to aid the dissemination of research findings, to share best practice, and to enhance the reputation of the University. 
    Service Provision
    Proactively and effectively engage with quality assurance procedures to ensure that University standards are upheld.
     Collaborate with academic colleagues on research development and future direction. 
    Team Working
    Actively participate as a member of the research team, offering general help and guidance to others and PhD students who may be assisting with the research project.
    Miscellaneous
    You have a legal duty, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure that you do not endanger yourself or anyone else by your acts or omissions. In addition, you must cooperate with the University on health and safety matters and must not interfere or misuse anything provided for health, safety and welfare purposes.
     
    • You are responsible for applying the University’s Equal Opportunities Policy in your own area of responsibility and in your general conduct.
    • You have a responsibility to promote high levels of customer care within your own areas of work.
    •  Such other relevant duties commensurate with the grade of the post as may be assigned by the Manager in agreement with you. Such agreement should not be unreasonably withheld.
    •  You have the responsibility to engage with the University’s commitment to Environmental Sustainability in order to reduce its waste, energy consumption and carbon footprint.
    •  You have the responsibility to engage with the University’s commitment to delivering value for money services that optimise the use of resources and therefore should consider this when undertaking all duties and aspects of your role.

    Person Specification

    This role is only open to current Manchester Met students who meet the criteria below:
    Essential
    * Current Manchester Met MSc or PhD student in Computing, Data Science, Engineering, or a related discipline (e.g. Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, or Digital Modelling).
    * Ability to undertake research by preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments and/or field work.
    * Ability to use initiative, creativity and judgement to develop appropriate approaches in order to further research.
    * Proficiency in the use of relevant software packages such as Python, PyTorch/TensorFlow, Open3D, CloudCompare, and MeshLab.
    * Proficiency in the use of advanced 3D reconstruction techniques like Gaussian Splatting or Nerf.
    * Possess sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge to work within an established research team.
    * Experience of data collection
    * Experience of presenting and communicating complex information to a range of audiences, both orally and in writing
    * Experience of prioritising work independently and as part of a team in order to deliver individual and team objectives
    * Strong attention to detail and careful data management when handling large 3D or image datasets
    Desirable
    * Knowledge of 3D computer vision, LiDAR/photogrammetry data processing, and mesh reconstruction, including an understanding of relevant research methods and techniques in the area.

    * Familiarity with digital twinning

    * Experience with version control (GitHub) and open-source research workflows.

    How to Apply

    Please apply via the Apply button, completing the form on the next page and attaching your covering letter and CV, as a single document, in either .docx (preferred for accessibility) or .pdf format.

    The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on Sunday 23 November 2025.
    Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 
      
    We are committed to providing accessible and inclusive recruitment. If you require or would benefit from support or reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in work, please contact us by e-mailing [email protected]. This information will only be used and shared with those who require it to implement any change(s) and only at the point this is required.
     
    If you have any queries, or need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
    Apply

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