Senior Researcher - AI driven 3D Video technologies

Since the last decade, the video research community is strongly focusing on three-dimensional and immersive technologies. Concepts such as VR, AR and, more in general, XR are becoming strongly present in our daily life and the tech industry is following such a trend. We are indeed witnessing the spreading of words such as volumetric video, 3D reconstruction and holoportation, technologies that are facing a considerable boost in their developments thanks to the integration of neural network based video compression, AI based enhancement algorithms and neural rendering, among others. Instances of this integration are autoencoders for point cloud compression, AI driven supersampling and  occlusions removals, AI based camera calibration, Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) for the AI based generation of free viewpoint video.

i2CAT (Barcelona, Spain) is opening a Senior Researcher position to advance in the research field of AI driven 3D Video technologies. The research will be focusing on the design and development of AI based technologies for 3D and volumetric video. Particular importance will be given to i) neural based volumetric video compression (autoencoders, CNN, DNN for 3D video compression); ii) AI 3D improvement techniques (i.e. DLSS, de/relighting; iii) AI driven 3D Reconstruction (occlusions removal, camera calibration, NeRF).

The ideal candidate masters one, or more, of the following research fields:

• Image and Video Acquisition and Processing
• 2D and Volumetric Video Compression (particularly relevant if point clouds)
• 3D video reconstruction and camera calibration

And at least one, or more, of the following fields

• AI and Neural based based 2D and 3D video compression techniques
• AI based 3D video enhancement techniques (i.e. supersampling, re-lighting)
• AI based 3D Reconstruction techniques (i.e. occlusions removal, camera calibration)
• Neural Randiance Fields (NeRF)

It is expected that the work to be carried out will result in high-quality prototypes, scientific publications and even potentially standard-compliant contributions. The candidate will be integrated with an experienced cross-disciplinary team, and will closely interact with relevant industry and academic partners under the umbrella of national and European projects.

Candidates should prove an experienced track record of publications, and ideally participation in research and industry projects. 

Other relevant requirements include:

• Programming skills (Unity, C#, C++, Python)
• Hardware and electronics skills (RGBD and/or lightfield cameras knowledge)
• English professional proficiency
• Writing and presenting skills
• Communication skills
• Team work, and supervision of team members

Who we are:

The i2CAT Foundation is a non-profit research and innovation center that promotes mission-driven R&D activities on advanced Internet architectures, applications, and services. More than 15 years of international research define our expertise in the fields of 5G, IoT, VR, and Immersive Technologies, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, AI, and Digital Social Innovation. The center partners with companies, public administration, academia, and end-users to leverage this knowledge in order to meet real social and business challenges.

The greatest value of i2CAT is the talent of the people who make up our human team. We enjoy a team of people from more than 13 different nationalities and work every day to create and foster a work environment where we all feel comfortable creating, innovating and growing.

Want to know more? Visit our webpage! www.i2cat.net

Where will you do it?

At i2CAT we already have an established ‘work-from-home’ policy for some time. You can work from home or from the office, whichever suits you best. We expect that you attend the office two days per week: one to stay connected with your team and another one to engage with other colleagues

If you decide to come to the office, we are located in Zona Universitària, next to the Campus Nord of the UPC, within a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment. It is a very well-connected area (metro, tram, bus) with bars and restaurants around.

Our offices are designed with an open-office concept where everything is light and transparency. We have a variety of workspaces so that you don't have to be at the same table all day.

i2CAT is an organization committed to equal opportunities. That is why we seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented, and therefore explicitly encourage female candidates to apply.

I2CAT is an organization committed to creating an environment where we celebrate diversity, and where we provide the dedicated support that our employees need, regardless of their disability.

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