Postdoctoral Research Associate - Forensic and Investigative Sciences

The Department of Forensic and Investigative Science (FIS) within the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences (ECAS) at West Virginia University seeks a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Dr. Jacqueline Speir's research group. The position is funded for an initial fixed-term of 24 months and requires an energetic and independent researcher. The Research Associate will co-lead an externally funded project aimed at characterizing forensic image quality. S/he will propose, adapt, code, and validate automated methods for image feature extraction, matrix completion, and regress against objective numerical and subjective quality criteria. Successful candidates will perform independent research in the areas of machine learning, computer vision, imaging science and statistics, will mentor junior researcher assistants (undergraduate and graduate), prepare and deliver oral/written summaries and presentations and publish in peer-reviewed forensic journals.

In order to be successful in this position, the ideal candidate will:

• Learn, understand and implement specialized and technical mathematical and statistical algorithms.
• Develop, implement, and validate programming code.
• Prepare robust, well-documented and efficient computer code.
• Conduct individual and collaborative research.
• Assist in the development and revision of research objectives and deliverables.
• Prepare and deliver research presentations to sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• Publish high quality peer-reviewed journal articles under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI).
• Develop new research methodologies that extend the Department's research portfolio.
• Engage in continuing professional development in the areas of training and teaching.
• PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Imaging Science, Applied Mathematics or a related field, either earned before the start date of the post, or with verification that will be earned within 3 months of the appointment date.
• Six (6) months experience:
• in intermediate to advanced computer programming skills (Python, R, IDL, etc.).
• in demonstrated ability for scientific writing (at a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked forensic journals).
• in conducting high quality academic and/or applied research in the area of computer vision, machine learning or related disciplines.
• One (1) year experience in demonstrated ability to plan and manage independent research.
• Theoretical and applied mathematical and computational skills.
• Ability to work independently and against strict deadlines.
• Self-motivated and energetic.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.