We are excited to announce that we have secured funding from EPSRC to run student internships through Michaelmas term to March 2026! These will run during term time at 6 hours per week, running alongside full-time study. £2,500 per student is available to support their participation in this opportunity.

These internships are being made available through the Bede National HPC service, hosted by N8.

Project: HPC Benchmarking Assembly Tasks

This project focuses on adapting and implementing benchmarks for performance evaluation of cluster-based assembly tasks in puzzle solving environments. This exciting opportunity combines high-performance computing with algorithmic problem-solving.

Project Components:

• Development of benchmark framework - Design and implement a comprehensive benchmarking system for assembly task evaluation
• Adaptation of existing assembly/puzzle solving algorithms - Modify and optimize current puzzle-solving approaches for cluster computing environments
• Evaluation of benchmarks across Durham clusters - Test and analyze performance across Durham's HPC infrastructure

Key Details:

• 📅 Start Date: Week commencing 20th October 2025
• ⏰ Duration: Michaelmas term to March 2026 (6 hours per week)
• 💼 Funding: £2,500 per student
• 🎓 Support: Assigned Research Technical Professional (RTP) from Advanced Research Computing
• 🤝 Additional Benefits: Opportunities to participate in community building activities and attend events

Perfect for students interested in high-performance computing, algorithm optimization, and computational problem-solving!

Skills You'll Develop:

• High-performance computing and cluster programming
• Benchmark design and performance evaluation
• Algorithm adaptation for parallel computing environments
• Experience with Durham's state-of-the-art HPC facilities

Ideal Candidate:

• Background in computer science, mathematics, or related field
• Interest in algorithms, puzzle-solving, or computational problem-solving
• Some experience with programming (Python, C++, or similar)
• Curiosity about high-performance computing and parallel processing

How to Apply:

Please submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) vie email outlining (as responses to):

• Your academic background and relevant skills
• Why you're interested in HPC benchmarking and assembly tasks
• Any previous experience with programming, algorithms, or HPC (if applicable)

EOI Application Deadline: 5pm on Wednesday 8th October 2025
EOI Submission via email: Dr Stuart James (stuart.a.james@durham.ac.uk)

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a brief chat (online) on the 9th/10th October 2025. Unfortunately, due to the short deadline it is not possible to talk before submitting an EOI.

Selected candidate will be proposed to ARC for the deadline:
Application Deadline: 5pm on Monday 13th October 2025

Supervised by: Dr Stuart James, in collaboration with Dr Eamonn Bell and Dr Anne Reinarz.

Our group is always looking for good PhD candidates, so if you are interested in doing a PhD in Vision-based Spatial Reasoning please contact me to discuss the options. For more details review research areas and publications especially before making an inquiry or application.

Current Funding options:

• Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs):
  • Funded by UK Research Councils (e.g., EPSRC, BBSRC, NERC).
  • Provide tuition fees, a stipend, and research training support.
• Industry-funded PhDs:
  • Collaborative projects with companies.
  • Often part of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
• International Scholarships:
  • For non-UK students, options include:
  • Commonwealth Scholarships.
  • Chevening Scholarships.
  • Chinese Scholarships Council (CSC).
• Self-funding:
  • Students cover their own tuition and living costs.
  • May combine with part-time work (visa permitting) or personal savings.

Outline available at: FindAPhD

More details on what can you expect

How to apply!

Reach out with your CV and a brief statement of your research interests and why you are interested in doing a PhD with us and how you plan to fund your PhD. If there is a mutual interest we will have a brief conversation and detail the application process at Durham University. You will then submit an application then we will arrange an interview with myself and the potential second supervisor. You will then receive on the outcome of your application typically within a couple of weeks of the interview.

Contact to discuss a PhD

Open call for interest in co-writing a MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship on Computer Vision at Durham University. Wide array of topics we can discuss, but includes everything from digitisation to understanding and reasoning. The MSCA is an international collaborative program so a long-term secondment is required.

Project Duration: 1-2 Years

The EU provides support for the recruited researcher in the form of

• A living allowance
• A mobility allowance
• If applicable, family, long-term leave and special needs allowances

In addition, funding is provided for

• research, training and networking activities
• management and indirect costs

Full details at

https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships

Eligibility:

• PhD or 4 years of full-time research experience
• Mobility Rule: The researcher must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organization (i.e. UK) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline.
• Experience Level: The researcher must have a maximum of 8 years of research experience after obtaining their PhD. This excludes career breaks (e.g., parental leave) and time spent outside research.

Dates:

• Call opens: 8 May 2025
• EOI Deadline: 1 July 2025
• Call Deadline: 10 September 2025

How to apply!

Please send me an Expression of Interest (EOI) with "MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships" in the subject line. Your EOI should include the following:

• A concise 1-page outline of your proposed project, highlighting your innovative ideas and how they align with the fellowship's goals.
• Your latest CV, showcasing your academic achievements, research experience, and any relevant skills or publications.

I am looking for the brightest and most motivated researchers to join this exciting program. This is your chance to work on transformative projects, gain international experience, and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in Computer Vision. I look forward to reviewing your application and exploring the potential for collaboration!

How to contact me