PhD Candidate in Deep Learning for Face Image Quality Metrics

About the position

We have a vacancy for a position as a PhD Candidate at the Department of Information Security and Communication Technology (IIK).

This is a researcher training position aimed at providing promising researcher recruits the opportunity of academic development in the form of a doctoral degree. 

The positions working place is in on NTNUs campus in Gjøvik . 

The candidate will report to the Head of Department. 

Duties of the position

The appointment is for a term of three years and sponsored by the European H2020 Research project iMARS. Thus, an active contribution to reach the iMARS objectives is expected. 

Face recognition systems are widely deployed in numerous applications including border control scenarios. The focus of the research is on improving face quality assessment and attack detection in face recognition. The research objective is to develop mechanisms that can serve as predictive face quality estimators and additionally indicate possible attacks. Depending on the skills of the candidate, different aspects may be emphasized, for instance by focusing on: 

• Quantitative and predictive face quality models
• Adversarial learning for quality assessment
• Impact of quality on as single image and differential image manipulation detection
• Aggregation of quality assessment in quality vectors and performance evaluation of biometric image assessment algorithms
• Technical contributions to International Standards

The research will be carried out as an integrated part of the Norwegian Biometric Laboratory – NBL , and under guidance of Prof. Dr. Christoph Busch.

Required selection criteria

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is that you have completed a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in: 

• Computer science engineering,  information technology 
• Knowledge of Biometrics,  Image processing, pattern recognition, applied machine learning, deep learning  
• Excellent programming skills in Python, Matlab, C++ and
• Deep leaning tools (keras, tensorflow, etc) 
• A relevant master thesis in biometrics and deep learning.
• A mandatory research proposal (max 3 pages) on the initial ideas of developing quality metrics for face recognition based on recent scientific literature. 

or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you are unable to meet these criteria you may be considered only if you can document that you are particularly suitable for education leading to a PhD degree.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants  and Regulations concerning the degrees of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) and Philosodophiae Doctor (PhD) in artistic research national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant  

Other required selection criteria:

• High motivation for research work and ability to work independently
• Good organization and communication skills with interest in wider context of own research and ability to engage in cross-disciplinary teams.
• Eager to disseminate research results through publications and presentations at international conferences.  

Preferred selection criteria

• Publication activities in the aforementioned disciplines will be considered an advantage
• Good written and oral English

Personal characteristics

We are searching applicants who are:

• Highly motivated for fundamental scientific research of practical relevance is essential.
• Highly motivated for research work in a multidisciplinary way and ability to work independently.
• Well organized and with interest in wider context of own research and ability.
• Eager to disseminate research results through publications and presentations at international conferences
• Eager to contribute research findings to International Standardization committees.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.

We offer

Salary and conditions

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 491 200 per annum, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in [subject area] (Link to website, if applicable) within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

The position is subject to external funding.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English. 

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above. 

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

The application must include: 

• CV, certificates and diplomas 
• transcripts and diplomas for bachelor's and master's degrees. If you have not completed the master's degree, you must submit a confirmation that the master's thesis has been submitted. 
• Project proposal  
• Name and address of three referees 
• If you have publications or other relevant research work 

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

General information

Working at NTNU

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. 

The city of Gjøvik has a population of 30 000 and is a town known for its rich music and cultural life. The beautiful nature surrounding the city is ideal for an active outdoor life! The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

In accordance with The Public Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact: Dr. Kiran Raja ([email protected] ) or
Prof. Dr. Christoph Busch ([email protected] ),
https://www.ntnu.edu/nbl , http://www.christoph-busch.de .

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact: Katrine Rennan ([email protected] ).

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI) .

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number 2022/15793 when applying.

Application deadline: 22.05.2022.

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Information Security and Communication Technology

Research is vital to the security of our society. We teach and conduct research in cyber security, information security, communications networks and networked services. Our areas of expertise include biometrics, cyber defence, cryptography, digital forensics, security in e-health and welfare technology, intelligent transportation systems and malware. The Department of Information Security and Communication Technology is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering  .

Deadline 22nd May 2022
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Gjøvik Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service NTNU Campus Gjøvik