[ecoop-info] Seeking a computer scientist

[Alex Biedermann]

Dear ecoop-subscriber,

please be informed (see below) about a position on offer at
the University of Lausanne to work on a research project in
forensic science (statistical analysis of shape of
handwritten characters).

For any further information please contact:

Prof. Franco Taroni
+41 21 692 46 46
franco.taroni at unil.ch
www.unil.ch/esc

Sincerely yours,

Alex Biedermann
__________________________________
The University of Lausanne
School of Criminal Sciences
Institute of Forensic Sciences
1015 Lausanne-Dorigny
www.unil.ch/esc

__________________________________

Lausanne, August 20th, 2007 

Project: PROGRESS IN HANDWRITING ANALYSIS: TOWARDS SHAPE
QUANTIFICATION 
OF CHARACTERS AND PROBABILISTIC ASSESSMENT OF THEIR
EVIDENTIAL VALUE 
Ref. K-11K1-116620/1 

Seeking a computer scientist (preferably full time) for a
period of 24 months to work on a research 
project devoted to the statistical analysis of shape of
handwritten characters. The project is 
funded by the Interdisciplinary Commission (KID) of the
Swiss National Science Foundation. 

The School of Criminal Sciences (ESC) and its Institute of
Forensic Sciences of the University of 
Lausanne is seeking an experienced individual to join a team
working on a project financed by the 
Swiss National Science Foundation (FNSRS). The project will
last for a period of 24 months. 
The ESC has a FNSRS-funded research program since 2002 on
handwriting examination, notably 
quantification of shape characters. 

You will join an ESC-led research group that is currently
developing (i) operational and useable 
methods and techniques for the analysis of handwriting,
notably quantification of characters 
shape, and (ii) rigorous probabilistic inferential
procedures for coherent assessment of 
handwriting evidence. You have a strong background in
computer science, preferably with 
emphasis on image processing and feature extraction. You are
willing to take the lead in 
developing algorithms to extract shape information from
images of loops of handwritten 
characters*1). You also have experience in designing
appropriate graphical user interfaces. 

We are looking for an enthusiastic team player to join a
group devoted to research on handwriting 
characters and forensic statistis. A full degree in computer
science, image or signal processing is 
required. For this challenging and rewarding role,
postgraduate experience of image processing or 
pattern recognition would be a real advantage, as would a
relevant PhD. You will bring to the 
team expertise in the use and implementation of various
image processing methods for 
handwriting image analysis. The environment for development
will be Visual Basic® and 
Matlab®. 

In addition, the candidate is expected to show ability to
work independently and effectively within 
a team (with a forensic scientist based in Lausanne, an
odontologist based in Strasbourg and a 
statistician based in Venice) and will need the ability to
work to a structured schedule in order to 
meet demanding deadlines. Good communication skills (written
and oral) and knowledge of 
English will be beneficial. 

The work location is our institute in Lausanne on the
University campus; the planned starting 
date is January 2008. 

The salary for this position will be circa CHF 72’000 per
year (full time) depending on relevant 
qualifications and experience. 

Closing date for receipt of written applications will be
10th October 2007. 

*1)  Marquis R., Schmittbuhl M., Mazzella W.D., Taroni F.,
Quantification of the Shape of Handwritten Characters: a
step to 
objective discrimination between writers based on the study
of the capital character O. Forensic Science International
150 
(2005) 23-32.