PhD position in geomatics focusing on computer vision and machine learning

(ref. BAP-2022-307)

Laatst aangepast : 17/05/2022

There is a vacancy for a PhD researcher in the Geomatics research group of the Department of Civil Engineering of KU Leuven. The candidate will be active in projects that aim at the processing and interpretation of geolocated imagery e.g., assessing damages on construction sites or existing buildings through computer vision. The position starts October 1st 2022 and is for four years. The Geomatics group’s laboratory is based on the Technology Campus in Ghent, which is located at the center of Belgium, in the heart of Europe. The research group targets practical applications in the field of construction and surveying and focuses on data capture, processing and interpretation for the creation of semantically rich databases i.e., BIM and GIS and the analysis of the built environment. The emphasis is on the processing of geometry such as point cloud data and mesh data, and on information extracted from imagery taken from the built environment. The research at the Geomatics group, headed by prof. Maarten Vergauwen, is rapidly expanding. The group currently already has three postdocs and multiple PhD students, both working on individual research topics and international projects. In particular, related to this project, there is expertise in machine learning for geospatial applications, remote sensing, and the creation of intelligent databases. The research group also has strong ties to industry and the research community. Within KU Leuven the group has contacts, relevant to this project, with the Departments of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), Computer Science and the other groups within Civil Engineering, and externally with project partners such as CERTH, UPF and the university of Liège. The group’s laboratory is well equipped with state-of-the art Lidar and photogrammetric hard and software and powerful processing units which the candidate can use for research.

Project

• You will work on the group’s projects to detect materials and damages in building and infrastructure. You will go on site and capture the necessary imagery, and process it with state-of-the-art 3D reconstruction techniques.
  
• You will develop the general (machine learning and deep learning) methods to segment and interpret BIM/GIS/CAD elements in geolocated imagery and process the pixel information to useful material, damage and deviation information for construction stakeholders.
  
• You will work on several sub-projects and apply for additional funding during your stay.
  
• You will work together with construction site managers to represent KUL’s interests, secure data exchanges and promote innovation.
• You will conduct your own research in other(sub-)projects under the guidance of two postdoctoral researchers and collaborate with your fellow PhD candidates.
  
• You will (co-)author scientific papers and publish your research in conferences and high-level (A1) international, peer-reviewed journals.
  

Profile

• You have a master's degree in engineering, computer vision, geomatics or similar, obtained with an overall grade of at least distinction (cum laude).
  
• You are eager to program and implement solutions, often combining commercial software with open-source APIs.
• Experience in pattern recognition, machine learning, and image interpretation is an asset.
• You have an excellent English proficiency, both in speaking and writing. Knowledge of Dutch is an asset.
• You are willing to work in an interdisciplinary team and co-manage Master students.
• You have an inquisitive and creative mind, as well as good problem-solving skills. You can work independently and generate results.
  

Important note: your motivation letter (see below) should contain the reason(s) why you are interested in this particular position, as well as facts or examples that demonstrate that you satisfy the listed requirements.

Offer

• A contract of 4 (2+2) years as a PhD researcher of KU Leuven
• Membership of a rapidly advancing research group, as part of a motivated interdisciplinary team, with an extensive international network
• Membership of KU Leuven, one of the largest research universities of Europe and the most innovative university of Europe (ranked first in Reuters ranking)
• The possibility to take part in international conferences and collaborations and to become a multidisciplinary researcher
• A competitive salary and benefits. Furthermore, PhD researchers are supported in their career by the university and can follow countless courses to improve their skills
  

Interested?

Submit your application, including

1.      A motivation letter, explaining why you are interested in this particular position. Explain your background and expertise and list facts and examples that demonstrate that you satisfy the listed requirements (max 2p)

2.      A CV, including a full list of publications and portfolio of projects if present

3.      University diploma copies and transcripts

4.      Names and contact information of a reference

The position starts October 1st 2022. The application deadline is June 30 2022, but earlier applications are encouraged and will be considered as soon as they are received.

For more information please contact prof. dr. ir. Maarten Vergauwen, tel.: +32 9 3316590 mail: [email protected]

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