Research Assistant, School of Computing

"Saint Francis University (SFU), formerly known as Caritas Institute of Higher Education, has a history of over four decades, with its origins tracing back to the establishment of Caritas Francis Hsu College in 1985. SFU was officially granted university status in 2024 and became a University of Applied Sciences (UAS) in the same year. As a pioneer of UAS education in Hong Kong, SFU integrates theory and practice through over 40 programmes across sub-degree, undergraduate and postgraduate levels in a wide range of disciplines, including Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages, Artificial Intelligence and Technology, Business and Hotel Management, as well as Design and Film Production. The University is committed to nurturing a new generation of talents equipped with solid professional knowledge, positive life and ethical values, and the spirit of lifelong learning." Research Assistant, Yam Pak Charitable Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences(Ref.: 26/124/CIS/RA) The University invites applications for a research position on an RGC-funded collaborative project that develops an AIoT structural health monitoring and EARLY-warning system for construction tower cranes. The project combines a "Digital Triple" methodology — a scaled physical prototype governed by dynamic similarity, finite element modelling, and physics-informed AI digital twins — with wireless sensor networks, edge computing, and deep learning (1D-DCNN / LSTM) to detect structural fatigue and damage and to predict and prevent crane instability and collapse. The appointee will join a multidisciplinary team of engineers and data scientists, work with real instrumented crane structures and laboratory prototypes, and contribute to publishable research outputs of direct relevance to construction safety in Hong Kong. Duties The appointee will assist the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigators in:
• designing, assembling and calibrating IoT sensor nodes (MEMS accelerometers, strain gauges, inclinometers, anemometers, GNSS/IMU units) and their wireless data-acquisition and edge-computing hardware;
• deploying and maintaining monitoring instrumentation on laboratory crane prototypes and on-site tower cranes, including wiring, power, communications and enclosure work;
• developing embedded firmware and data pipelines for real-time acquisition, transmission, storage and visualisation of vibration and structural response data; and
• performing other project-related duties as assigned. Appointment Criteria Applicants Should Have
• an honours degree in Electronic Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, or a closely related discipline (a Master's/MPhil degree will be an advantage);
• practical experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers and sensors (e.g. Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, STM32), sensor interfacing and IoT communication protocols (Wi-Fi, LoRa, MQTT, 4G/5G);
• competence in signal processing and data analysis using Python and/or MATLAB;
• the ability to work independently, carry out laboratory and field work, and troubleshoot hardware and software problems systematically; and
• a good command of written and spoken English and Chinese (Cantonese), with strong technical report-writing skills.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in structural health monitoring, vibration measurement, edge AI, digital twins, or construction-related instrumentation. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Interested parties are invited to submit (i) an application letter indicating expected salary; (ii) an updated CV; and (iii) a duly completed application form (obtainable at https://www.sfu.edu.hk/filemanager/en/content_4/F_Application%20Form_SFU_20260101.pdf), by email at [email redacted, apply via Company website]. Candidates not invited for interview within 2 months after the application deadline may assume their applications unsuccessful. The Saint Francis University reserve the right not to make an appointment for the post advertised, and the appointment will be made according to the terms and conditions applicable at the time of offer. All personal data provided by the applicants will be treated in strict confidence and used only for recruitment and employment-related purposes. The Saint Francis University is equal opportunity employers.