Junior Specialist in Computer Vision

A part-time Junior Specialist in Computer Vision position is available at Dr. Meng 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.

• 2 required (contact information only)

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.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application: Required Authorization of Information Release Form.

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.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (Center of Institutional Effectiveness), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

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.