Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) Associate - Real-Time 3D British Sign Language Avatar Developer

The University of Bath is seeking an exceptional and highly motivated AKT Associate to work with Silence Speaks Ltd on an innovative three-month Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) project focused on advancing accessibility technology for the UK's Deaf community.

You will lead the technical delivery of a collaborative research and innovation project evaluating and prototyping real-time 3D animatable avatars for British Sign Language (BSL). Working across both academic and industrial environments, you will contribute to cutting-edge developments in computer vision, machine learning, graphics, and digital accessibility.

This is an exciting opportunity to apply advanced research expertise to a commercially relevant challenge with significant societal impact, while working alongside leading experts in 3D avatar generation and accessibility technology.

Silence Speaks Ltd is a UK accessibility technology company providing British Sign Language translation through photorealistic signing avatar technology.

This AKT project is funded by UKRI through Innovate UK. This programme has been designed to create short-term collaborations between a university and business to deliver a rapid and targeted intervention to accelerate the development of an innovation project, with potential for significant impact on the business. AKT projects are delivered by graduates who benefit from the opportunity to work on a strategically relevant project within industry, whilst receiving support and guidance from university academics.

Benefits of the role include:
- The opportunity to work on a high-impact innovation project with direct application to accessibility technology.
- Collaboration with leading researchers and industry specialists.
- Access to world-class research facilities and expertise.
- Experience of delivering research impact through knowledge transfer and innovation activities.
- Opportunity to contribute to technology designed to improve information access for the UK's Deaf BSL-using community.

The University considers itself a place where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged, with an excellent international reputation and staff from over 60 different nations. The University holds a Silver Athena SWAN award and is committed to gender equity and intersectionality. Applications are encouraged from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups.

The University is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, an accredited Disability Confident Leader, and an autism friendly university.

Wellbeing support includes staff support groups and networks, a network of Staff Wellbeing Champions, and a suite of tools, resources and frameworks to enable staff to thrive.