Data Scientist/Machine Learning Engineer (M/V/X) (TaMaCare)

Job title:

Data Scientist/Machine Learning Engineer (M/V/X) (TaMaCare)

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Job description

Offer DescriptionIn the framework of a research project between the Royal Military Academy, national industry, Belgian academia and the armed forces, we are looking for a research scientist with a Master Degree in Engineering Science, Applied Sciences, Civil Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or Mathematics and a background in Machine Learning.About the project
On the battlefield, injured soldiers can face significant delays in medical treatment or evacuation due to ongoing hostilities and treacherous terrain. Traditional methods of casualty care rely on limited information and may put medics at unnecessary risk: medics often lack a comprehensive picture of the battlefield, hindering their ability to locate and prioritise casualties while minimising exposure to threats. The TaMaCare project emerges from this critical observation, aiming to revolutionise battlefield casualty care by creating a real-time digital twin of the frontline. More precisely, we aim to improve response times and decision-making in critical situations. The proposed digital twin aims to provide medics with a clear view of the battlefield, encompassing the location of injured soldiers, their vital signs, and any structures or potential dangers present in the vicinity.About the Royal Military Academy
RMA ( ) is a fully accredited university responsible for the training and advanced continuing education of officers in the Belgian Defence department. Our institution excels in high-level scientific research funded by both the Belgian Defence department and external sources. We offer a blend of academic, military, and physical training, providing a unique environment for innovative research and practical application.Expected results
The impact of TaMaCare on battlefield casualty care is multifaceted and far-reaching:

• Faster and better decision making: TaMaCare will create a digital twin of the battlefield for use by the rear echelon and decision makers, allowing faster response times and improved decision-making. The digital twin will provide real-time information of the environment, casualty location and their health status, allowing medics to make informed decisions about treatment priorities and evacuation routes, considering factors like urgency, (environmental) hazards, and resource availability. The detailed 3D map, including casualties and threats, can also be used to plan optimal evacuation routes, taking into account terrain, obstacles, and the physical condition of casualties.
• Reduced risk for soldiers and medics: The digital twin will be created using unmanned systems, i.e. without putting soldiers in harm’s way. By providing a clear picture of potential threats, TaMaCare allows medics to navigate the battlefield with greater awareness and minimise their exposure to danger.
• Post-action analysis: The digital twin allows for an after action analysis of the decision and actions that were made, allowing to draw lessons for future interventions.

The benefits of TaMaCare extend beyond immediate casualty care and contribute to a broader strengthening of defence capabilities. In fact, the project fosters advancements in 3D mapping, threat detection/assessment through image processing, and Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) localization networks. These advancements have broader applications for military and civilian operations and for intelligence gathering: planning for offensive/defensive operations, re-assessment of the geometrical environment after man-made or natural calamities, improved navigation of unmanned vehicles, removal of UXO/IED (Unexploded Ordnance/Improvised Explosive Devices), etc.Your role
The research in TaMaCare will be performed by a Belgian consortium. The role of the researcher hired for this job offer will focus on the development of AI models and ML techniques to facilitate, automate and simplify detection of threats on the battlefield using electromagnetic (panchromatic, multispectral or hyperspectral) sensors in the visible and infrared spectrum based on their spatial or spatio-spectral signature. This knowledge will also be applied to other projects within RMA with similar needs.Where to apply E-mailerm-deao-rswo@mil.beRequirementsResearch Field Other Education Level Master Degree or equivalentSkills/QualificationsTechnical skills
The applicant shall have a Master Degree in Engineering Science, Applied Sciences, Civil Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or Mathematics.

• Training or experience in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and/or Deep Learning is essential;
• Experience in programming with C++ or Python is essential;
• Experience with OpenCV, PyTorch or Tensorflow is highly recommended;
• Experience with Computer Vision is highly recommended;
• Experience with the Robotic Operating System (ROS) or Linux is recommended;
• Training or experience in multi- or hyperspectral imaging or other EO technologies is an added value;
• Training or experience in processing of large scale data is an added value;
• Training or experience in agile workflow methodologies is an added value;
• Training or experience in applied, collaborative research is an added value;

Personal skills

• You conduct scientific research in an independent and upright way within a multidisciplinary environment.
• You communicate your results in a clear, concise and precise manner.
• You take initiative and coordinate your initiatives with the team.
• You solve problems autonomously and find alternatives or solutions.
• You will be working very closely together with the Belgian Armed Forces and will get insight in their modus operandi. Confidentiality is therefore an absolute must.

Other skills

• The applicant shall have very good knowledge of English (oral / written).
• The applicant shall preferably have knowledge of either French or Dutch and a minimum knowledge of the other language in order to allow collaboration with peers. This will be tested during the selection process.

Specific RequirementsSpecific requirements

• Interest in starting a PhD is an added value.
• The researcher may be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by the Belgian Defence.
• A driver’s licence valid in Belgium is an added value.
• Working for the Patrimony requires living in Belgium for the duration of the study.

Languages ENGLISH Level ExcellentLanguages FRENCH Level BasicLanguages DUTCH Level BasicResearch Field Other Years of Research Experience 1 – 4Internal Application form(s) needed20240718_TaMaCare_Jobdescription_ENG.pdfEnglish(257.26 KB – PDF)Additional InformationBenefitsContract

• Date of selection: September 26th 2024
• Start of contract: December 1st 2024.
• This contract depends on the acceptance of a study proposal. Acceptance will only be known on September 25th. This means that the job offer is currently provisional until that date.
• Status: Full-time employment (38 hours / week) based on an open-ended contract with the Patrimony of the Royal Military Academy (you will not be a civil servant).
• To be very clear: your contract will be open-ended, but the financing of the contract will be tied to a project that ends on November 30th 2027. The financing of your contract beyond that period is therefore not 100% guaranteed. However, the chance that we will be able to offer a follow-up project beyond that date is high.
• Wage scale: class A1 (holder of a Master’s Degree in Science, doctor’s degree in the same area of expertise); class A2 (holder of an Ir degree or equivalent Master’s degree in Engineering Sciences, doctor’s degree in the same area of expertise). RMA-Patrimony applies a merit-based research career track, allowing researchers to advance in wage scale based upon annual evaluations.
• Holiday pay.

Extra-legal benefits

• Possibility to benefit from a bilingualism allowance (Dutch/French) following a SELOR test;
• End-of-year bonus;
• Free DKV hospitalization insurance. Possibility of additional affiliation for one or more persons living under the same roof: spouse, child(ren) (50% of the price per additional member);
• Bike allowance / Free public transport (home-work commute);
• Free access to campus sports facilities outside working hours;
• On-campus restaurant and cafeteria with democratic prices (discount on the daily menu);
• Meal vouchers (6€/day)
• Flexible working hours within the 38-hour week + Teleworking possible with allowance;
• Holidays o 29 days holiday / year from the 1st year of contract (then from 45 years: +1 day holiday every 5 years) o + 1 week OFF every year between Christmas and New year’s Eve
• Advantages and interesting offers thanks to the Benefits@work card (discounts, vouchers…);
• Entitlement to services offered by the ‘Office Central d’Action Sociale et Culturelle de la Défense’ (OCASC): among others holiday centres, discount on travel organised by the tour operator…;
• Possibility of benefiting from the nursery funded by Belgian Defence (subject to availability).

Selection processApplication
You will be working in a military environment. That is why everyone is expected to undergo a security verification. A passport issued by a country that is both member of the EU and NATO is required. Please add to your application the filled-out document. The form can be downloaded from:
(Dutch) or
(French).
There is unfortunately no English version of this document.
Please send your complete application by e-mail. Incomplete applications will not be considered. We do not accept applications via LinkedIn. Send ALL of the following elements to Prof Dr ir Rob HAELTERMAN ( ), ir Charles HAMESSE ( ) and Dr ir Helena BRUYNINCKX ( ):

• A CV and a motivational letter
• a scan of your ID card (both sides);
• the filled-out security document (Please do not forget to sign & add the denomination “GELEZEN EN GOEDGEKEURD” (Dutch) or “LU ET APPROUVE” (French))
• your relevant publications (a link to an online open access repository is acceptable)

Please mention clearly the reference of the project in the subject line of your mail: “TaMaCare”.
(Mails received without this reference or applications sent other than by email to all the above addresses will not be considered. Applications that do not contain all the above elements will also not be considered.)
Application deadline: 16th of August 2024
The interviews will take place at the Royal Military Academy, Hobbemastraat 8, 1000 Brussels. In specific cases, on-line interviews can take place. The date and time of the interview will be communicated to the preselected candidates.Additional commentsWorkplace

• Royal Military Academy, Avenue de la Renaissance 30, 1000 Brussels;
• Occasional travels abroad for scientific conferences, etc.

Points of contact

• Concerning the research project: to Prof Dr ir Rob HAELTERMAN (

) * Concerning the recruitment modalities: Dr ir Helena Bruyninckx (
) * For more information about the Royal Military Academy, see
Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Royal Military Academy – Patrimony Country Belgium State/Province Brussels City Brussels Postal Code 1000 Street Hobbemastraat 8 GeofieldContact State/ProvinceBrussels CityBrussels WebsiteStreetHobbemastraat 8 Postal Code1000 E-MailERM-DEAO-RSWO@mil.be Phone+3224413750STATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Brussel

Job date

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 02:07:27 GMT

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