Image Processing Voluntary Internship

The Institute of Zoology at the Zoological Society of London is offering an excellent opportunity to gain experience with one of the UK’s leading conservation research organisations. We invite applications for volunteer interns to participate in a multidisciplinary PhD project that investigates the relationship between tigers, local culture and conservation governance in Northeast India. The project combines a range of tools such as camera trapping, scat analysis, socio-economic surveys and detailed ethnography to develop an in-depth understanding of the nexus between culture, tigers and governance.

We are seeking two or three volunteers to help with camera trap image processing in support of new methods currently in development at ZSL for the analysis of camera trap data. The new method, called the random encounter model (REM), allows the estimation of densities and speeds of movement for unmarked animals, but requires the tracking of animal positions within images. Our group has recently developed new software that facilitates this tracking, efficiently processing images to extract animal positions and speeds from the raw images. This task is to help process a large set of camera trap images gathered from Northeast India.

We are looking for volunteers who can help us with the systematic examination of camera trap images, and digitisation of animal positions when appropriate, making judgements about how animals move across image sequences. As well as generating data from images, you will evaluate and beta-test the software tool, and help to systematise user processes.

Data will ultimately feed into an REM model to estimate animal densities, but we’re not asking for skills in those areas, just basic computer literacy. A patient, organised and systematic approach to computing tasks would be a great asset though.

The voluntary internship is for three months, starting in June 2016. The role is ideally for 3+ days a week, following normal office hours from 9am to 5pm and is based within ZSL’s Facilities department in Regent’s Park, London.

Prior experience with management and analysis of camera trap data is preferred but not required. Initial training and continuing supervision will be provided, with work then arranged flexibly to suit your own schedule. Travel within London (upto Zone 6) and lunch expenses (for 3+ days worked per week) will be paid against receipts. 

Masters students looking for projects are encouraged to apply as there are opportunities to create independent projects from available datasets. 

In this role, the voluntary intern will:

• Gain experience of how camera trap image databasing and workflow functions, and develop an understanding of newly emerging approaches to the analysis of camera trap data.
• Since this is an interdisciplinary project combining cutting edge natural science techniques with detailed anthropological methodology, there are opportunities to learn about developing and conducting cross-disciplinary research.

Applicants can apply by uploading their CV and letter of motivation by clicking the "Apply for this opportunity online" button. If you have any problems with applying through the portal please contact Human Resources at: hr@zsl.org. 

If you have any informal queries regarding this opportunity please contact the Sahil Nijhawan via e-mail at: s.nijhawan.12@ucl.ac.uk.

Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 19th June 2016

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.