Job description

The KTP Associate will develop a new set of camera software commands which can be used for the creation of a new range of advanced and highly technical cameras that can be adapted for different markets based on the bespoke requirements of customers. They will be working with Starlight Xpress Ltd, who design and manufacture a range of cooled & uncooled digital cameras along with associated imaging accessories for Astronomy.

This 27 month project offers the exciting opportunity to research and develop state of the art software to control a new range of cameras based on Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor (CMOS) sensors. The software is to be deployed on workstations, PC’s, mobile devices, and in embedded software for Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). The Associate will take responsibility for the whole software development cycle, including development of the software to enable the cameras to be initially targeted for both the astronomy and life science markets.

The Associate will:

• Take ownership of the project development plan, ensuring all tasks are completed in a timely manner;
• Implement the software and systems, adjusting and evolving the project plan as necessary as the project progresses;
• Research, adapt and reflect different deployment methods. For example, it is likely most of the app programming will be done using C++ under Qt, with some FPGA programming for low-level sensor control;
• Undertake knowledge capture and research on FPGAs, USB 3.0, and camera technology;
• Develop low-level drivers for controlling the camera under Qt and be part of the FPGA development for control of the camera over USB 3.0;
• Define User Interface templates to change the appearance of the software for deployment in different markets;
• Represent Starlight Xpress and University of Reading at conferences and expos;
• Disseminate project findings to external audiences at conferences and workshops;
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in leading international journals, and;
• Undertake a thorough induction to understand Starlight’s products and technology from a technical and commercial perspective.

The Associate will be part of a small industrial team supported by the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Reading. The Associate will work with these and receive support and guidance throughout the project and will play a key role in disseminating the project outputs across Starlight and the University of Reading.

The postholder will have the opportunity to undertake training relevant to KTP project embedding within industry as well as their own personal development. They will produce regular reports detailing progress on each stage of the project. There will be the opportunity to represent Starlight Xpress at an international conference during the project.

Project description

The postholder will be employed by the University of Reading and working in a small industrial team at Starlight Xpress Ltd (Bracknell, UK).

This position forms part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Innovate UK. It is a 27-month fixed term contract based full-time at Starlight and provides the opportunity to develop a new set of camera software commands which can be used for the creation of a new range of advanced and highly technical cameras that can be adapted for different markets based on the bespoke requirements of customers.

Apply your skills to research and develop state of the art software to control a new range of cameras based on Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor (CMOS) sensors. You will take responsibility for the whole software development cycle, including development of the software to enable the cameras to be initially targeted for both the astronomy and life science markets.

Skill development through training
There is a £4,500 dedicated training budget tailored towards your own personal development in addition to residential management skills training.

About the business

For 30 years, Starlight Xpress Ltd has designed and manufactured a range of cooled & uncooled Charge Coupled Device (CCD) cameras along with associated imaging accessories for Astronomy. The majority of the company's customers are amateur astronomers who have a telescope in their garden and use astronomy cameras as an accessory to the telescope. The CCD camera was the first type of mass market digital camera sensor, offering high image quality with better light sensitivity and reduced noise compared to Complementary metal--oxide--semiconductor (CMOS) technology, making it ideal for astronomy. With the significant improvements in CMOS technology, CCD is fast becoming redundant. The company's objective is to build new CMOS cameras to serve the astronomy market and expand to the Life Science market; as it is considered a high growth area with the new CMOS cameras being much more suited to this market. (https://www.sxccd.com/)

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