Junior Specialist in Computer Vision

Position overview

Position title: Junior Specialist in Computer Vision

Salary range: Annual Starting Salary:
Please see Table 24B for the salary range for the position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000-$58,600.

Percent time: The position is structured as part-time 50% and short-term to align with the focused, project-based nature of the research activities during Summer 2026. Additionally, the short-term duration reflects the goal of achieving clearly defined deliverables.

Anticipated start: May/June 2026

Position duration: 5/20/2026-08/20/2026

Open date: May 11, 2026

Next review date: Monday, May 25, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Aug 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

A part-time Junior Specialist in Computer Vision position is available g Tang's lab at University of California, Merced for 2026. The position focuses on advancing research in generative models for spatial intelligence, with applications spanning 3D perception, scene understanding, and robotics. The selected candidate will work in a collaborative research environment to develop novel methods that bridge generative modeling and visual perception.

A key expectation of this role is to contribute to and lead efforts toward publishing a paper in a top-tier conference such as CVPR, ICCV, NeurIPS, or ICML.

The specialist will be responsible for designing and implementing state-of-the-art computer vision and generative modeling algorithms, and applying them to spatial reasoning tasks such as camera pose estimation, view synthesis, and 3D scene understanding. Daily activities include coding and debugging deep learning models, conducting experiments on GPU servers, analyzing results, and maintaining reproducible research pipelines. The candidate will routinely review recent literature, participate in weekly research meetings, and contribute to technical writing, including preparing figures, experimental evaluations, and manuscripts for publication.

Applicants must hold at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field, and demonstrate prior experience in computer vision and generative models (e.g., diffusion models, GANs, or autoregressive methods). Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with deep learning frameworks are required.

Prior research experience, particularly with 3D vision or video models, is preferred.

Preferred qualifications include prior research experience with evidence of publications or strong project portfolios, such as prior publication in ICCV/ECCV/CVPR.

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Authorization to Release Information - As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
• Authorization to Release Information Form - The required Authorization of Information Release may be found at the linked page. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

• 2 required (contact information only)

Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H-1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.

Merced, CA