Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) Associate - Real-Time 3D British Sign Language Avatar Developer

The University of Bath is seeking an exceptional and highly motivated AKT Associate to work with Silence Speaks Ltd on an innovative three-month Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) project focused on advancing accessibility technology for the UK's Deaf community.

About the role

You will lead the technical delivery of a collaborative research and innovation project evaluating and prototyping real-time 3D animatable avatars for British Sign Language (BSL). Working across both academic and industrial environments, you will contribute to cutting-edge developments in computer vision, machine learning, graphics, and digital accessibility.

This is an exciting opportunity to apply advanced research expertise to a commercially relevant challenge with significant societal impact, while working alongside leading experts in 3D avatar generation and accessibility technology.

Silence Speaks Ltd is a UK accessibility technology company providing British Sign Language translation through photorealistic signing avatar technology.

The post will offer the following benefits:

• The opportunity to work on a high-impact innovation project with direct application to accessibility technology.
• Collaboration with leading researchers and industry specialists.
• Access to world-class research facilities and expertise.
• Experience of delivering research impact through knowledge transfer and innovation activities.
• Opportunity to contribute to technology designed to improve information access for the UK's Deaf BSL-using community.

This AKT project is funded by UKRI through Innovate UK. This programme has been designed to create short-term collaborations between a university and business to deliver a rapid and targeted intervention to accelerate the development of an innovation project, with potential for significant impact on the business. AKT projects are delivered by graduates who benefit from the opportunity to work on a strategically relevant project within industry, whilst receiving support and guidance from university academics. More information about the Accelerated Knowledge Transfer programme can be found at: https://www.ktp-uk.org/accelerated-knowledge-transfer/

Further information

This is a fixed-term role for a period of 3 months, and the role must start no later than 13 November 2026.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.

Be Well at Bath

We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:

• Staff support groups and networks
• A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
• A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive

Find out more about being at your best at Bath.

Closing Date: 25 Oct 2026

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £40,704