PhD position in Gaze Estimation and Visual Attention Modelling

15 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KU Leuven

Research Field

Computer science » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

8 Mar 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38 hours/week

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

BAP-2024-77

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Sensing, understanding, and modelling human visual attention is a core research challenge not only in HCI but across disciplines. Recent advancements in machine learning and deep learning have made it possible to estimate a person’s gaze direction or to detect eye contact using regular, off-the-shelf cameras. However, despite significant progress, there is a research gap that requires further advancements both on the algorithmic side of gaze estimation but also on its usability to deploy such technologies in the wild and empower non-technical users. 
The PhD position will allow you to work at the intersection of machine learning/deep learning by developing computational methods with applications in HCI. You will have the opportunity to dive deep and work on the core algorithms for gaze estimation to make them more accurate and robust. For example, one challenge is the difficulty of collecting large-scale annotated datasets. Can we use self-supervised learning to overcome this limitation? Or can generative Artificial Intelligence help with data augmentation? Besides working on the algorithms, you will also have the opportunity to use such methods and develop novel applications and use cases across domains such as intelligent user interfaces, education, or pervasive health. 

Requirements

Research Field

Computer science

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Additional Information
Benefits

• A full time PhD scholarship at the Faculty of Engineering Technology, KU Leuven initially for 1 year, extendible to max. 4 years
• An attractive salary package, complemented with multiple benefits (health insurance, access to university infrastructure and sports facilities, etc.)
• An inclusive research environment at one of Europes’ top universities with ample opportunities for further development
• Opportunity to contribute to teaching
• The position is embedded in an international and multicultural working environment at the department of Computer Science of KU Leuven, Campus Group T.
• The position can start immediately (flexible start date) and will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found

Eligibility criteria

• A master’s degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, or related disciplines
• Solid background in machine learning or deep learning. Prior experience in computer vision is a plus.
• Strong programming skills (preferably python)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Critical thinking and the ability to work independently

Application documents should include:

• CV
• Transcript of records from bachelor and master studies 
• A motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages). This letter should highlight your research interests, the interest in the offered project as well as any relevant past experience.  
• The contact information for 2 referees

Selection process

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Mihai Bace, tel.: +32 16 19 31 60, mail: [email protected] .
You can apply for this job no later than 08/03/2024 via the online application tool

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KU Leuven

Country

Belgium

State/Province

Vlaams Brabant

City

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

Street

Leuven

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://easyapply.jobs/r/UjBkfvU21luWSU3IkxoI

Contact

State/Province

Leuven

City

Vlaams Brabant

Street

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

STATUS: EXPIRED