PhD Positions in Computer Vision for Automated Driving
University of Amsterdam Faculty of Science Informatics Institute
Netherlands

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) and TomTom are opening a new research lab called 'ATLAS Lab' consisting of one tenure track assistant pofessor and five PhD students. The focus of the new lab will be on developing advanced, highly accurate and safe maps for automated vehicles (HD maps), using Artificial Intelligence. These HD maps include detailed geometric and semantic representations of elements in a road network, such as lane dividers, traffic signs, traffic lights, junctions, etc. The ATLAS Lab is a research collaboration between UvA and TomTom, Amsterdam, and is part of ICAI, the national Innovation Centre for AI, based in the Amsterdam Science Park.

For our new lab, we are seeking 5 PhD candidates in the field of computer vision and deep learning. Topics include representation and transfer learning for object detection and segmentation within a diverse set of learning paradigms (e.g. weakly/semi/self supervised), and quantifying uncertainty. Sensor data is assumed to be multi-modal and includes camera, LiDAR, and positional sensors.

We will be working on fundamental aspects, deep learning models, and algorithms. In particular, we are looking for PhD candidates on the following projects:

• project A: Cross-sensor transfer learning;
• project B: Few-shot tiny object detection;
• project C: Structured segmentation;
• project D: Sparse data representation for point clouds segmentation;
• project E: Point cloud based 3D object detection.

What are you going to do?

You are going to carry out AI research and development in one of the five projects mentioned above, as part of the Atlas lab at the University of Amsterdam. There will also be regular visits to and interactions with researchers at TomTom (Amsterdam). At the University of Amsterdam, you will be supervised by either prof. Gevers or prof. Snoek, as well as an assistant professor we are currently hiring.

Your tasks will be to:

• develop new machine learning methods within the context of one of the five research projects;
• collaborate with other researchers within the lab and TomTom;
• complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
• regularly present intermediate research results at international conferences and workshops, and publish them in proceedings and journals;
• assist in relevant teaching activities.

What do we require?

• A Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, or related field;
• a strong background in computer vision and machine learning;
• excellent programming skills preferably in Python;
• solid mathematics foundations, especially statistics, calculus and linear algebra;
• you are highly motivated and creative;
• strong communication, presentation and writing skills and excellent command of English.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, preferably starting on 1 June 2020 for the duration of four years which should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). The initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after a satisfactory evaluation the contract will be extended for 30 months. You will get a customized training and supervision plan, that will be evaluated every year.

The salary will be €2,325 to €2,972 (scale P) gross per month, based on full-time employment (38 hours a week). These amounts are exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end-of-year bonus. A favorable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Then find out more about working at the Faculty of Science.

About the Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 6,500, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

Questions?

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact:

• prof. Cees Snoek, projects (A, B)
  T: +31 (0)20 525 7528
• prof. Theo Gevers, projects (C, D, E)
  T: +31 (0)20 525 7516

Job application

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

The Informatics Institute strives for a better gender balance in its staff. We therefore strongly encourage women to apply for this position.

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your CV and cover letter by 15 April 2020. You can apply online by using the link below.

Applications should include:

• a motivation letter that motivates your choice for this position, and in particular, for which of the research projects;
• curriculum vitae, including your list of publications if applicable;
• a link to your Master’s thesis;
• a complete record of bachelor and master courses (including grades and explanation of grading system);
• a list of projects you have worked on (with brief descriptions of your contributions, max. 2 pages);
• the names and contact addresses of at least two academic references (please do not include any recommendation letters).

All these items should be grouped into a single PDF file.

The committee does not guarantee that late or incomplete applications will be considered. Please do not send your application to Theo Gevers and/or Cees Snoek. We will consider only applications via the online process.