Overview: This exciting Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project will develop a novel AI-enabled system to automatically detect low‑voltage services and conductors from image data and use sophisticated machine learning models to infer the location of hidden or obscured conductors. You will work in SSEN’s core asset data team, collaborating to develop tools and embed techniques for a user‑friendly mapping solution.
What you will gain:
* Develop and apply advanced AI and machine learning methods on complex, large‑scale data to solve tangible infrastructure problems
* Gain hands‑on experience working across multi‑disciplinary teams in a large utility company serving 3.9 million customers
* Access a personal development/training budget of £2,000 a year to build further skills relevant to your future career
* Work closely with world‑leading researchers at Aston University and receive mentorship and industrial experience
* Contribute to a project expected to deliver major savings and modernisation in electricity distribution, with the opportunity to publish work and attend high‑profile conferences
What we are looking for:
Essential
* Master’s degree (minimum) in Computer Science, Data Science, Computer Vision, Visual Media Engineering, or related subject focused on AI and Machine Learning
* Proficient in AI/deep learning methods, including use of convolutional neural networks
* Experience with analysis of RGB imagery and LiDAR data, particularly with regards to automatic key features extraction and fusion of features
* Skilled in feature extraction
* Programming ability using Python or MATLAB, and familiar with platforms such as Scikit-image, TensorFlow, or PyTorch
Desirable
* PhD in a related area
* Knowledge of reinforcement learning
* Experience integrating AI/machine learning models into business workflows
* Familiarity with GIS, vectorisation techniques, and statistical tools (e.g. SPSS)
* Understanding of regulatory and safety standards for electrical energy distribution
Attributes
* Analytical thinker who solves complex technical problems
* Able to articulate business problems, logical solutions and impactful outcomes
* Team player who works productively across locations and disciplines
* Adaptable and comfortable in a hybrid work setting (office‑based with travel)
* Proactive learner who makes the most of development opportunities
* Communicates well with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders
Additional Benefits and Support
* £2,000 per annum for personal and professional development for the duration of the project
* Annual leave (25 days p/a)
* Professional support and mentorship
* Mental Health and wellbeing support: https://www.aston.ac.uk/staff-public/hr/Benefits-and-Rewards/health-wellbeing
Career prospects
KTP Associates lead strategic projects, bridging the academic and business worlds, which can enhance and fast‑track their career. You will also benefit from expert coaching and mentoring. 60% of our KTP associates are offered employment by their host companies at the end of the KTP.
Location
Based predominantly at SSEN in Thatcham with regular visits to the Reading offices and the opportunity to visit Perth Headquarters in Scotland. You will also have access to facilities at Aston University in central Birmingham, with some travel to other sites required.
Visa and Immigration
This role is likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa, which is for talented or promising individuals in academia or research in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, or humanities. It is an Innovate UK requirement that candidates hold a visa or immigration permission to cover the full duration of the contract. The successful candidate is therefore expected to apply for a visa as necessary in line with their contract duration. For more information, see the Home Office guidance: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent
To learn more about this role, refer to the Job Description documents.
For informal enquiries about this role please contact Dr Hassan Aqeel Khan e-mail: h.khan54@aston.ac.uk
If you think this isn’t the right opportunity for you, please explore other KTP vacancies across the country: https://www.ktp-uk.org/jobs/
Please visit our website https://jobs.aston.ac.uk/Vacancies.aspx for further information and to apply online.
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
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