PhD Candidate, Detailed Video Understanding

The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) are looking for:

PhD Candidate, Detailed Video Understanding

Thanks to revolutions in supervised learning, the emergence of large, labelled video datasets and a research focus on what is happening, tremendous progress has been made in video understanding. However, current algorithms cannot identify how actions happen, which is key to achieving the desired outcome. The major research challenge is to recognize such details while not having examples of every situation they could occur in.

Applications are invited for two fully funded PhD studentships in Computer Vision and Machine

Learning on the topic of Detailed Video Understanding. The aim is to go beyond the coarse-grained labels that current models can predict and design models that can acquire a deeper understanding of video while learning from limited supervision. For insight into the supervisor’s current and previous works please refer to:

Key responsibilities

• Conduct original and novel research in the field of Computer Vision, focusing on Video Understanding;
• Design and implement new deep-learning algorithms to learn from video data;
• Publish and present scientific articles at international journals and conferences;
• Engage in collaborations with other researchers within and outside LIACS;
• Assist in relevant teaching activities.

Selection Criteria

The successful applicant should be a motivated university graduate who is a top performer among his/her peers and has an excellent education and/or research track record proven by relevant experience, publications, etc. The applicant is expected to have:

• MSc degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field;
• Solid background in Computer Science and Mathematics;
• Excellent programming skills in Python with experience with deep learning libraries e.g. Pytorch
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Experience with Machine Learning;
• Prior expertise in working with video or vision+language is a plus.
• Prior experience in research is a plus

Research at our faculty

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.300 staff and almost 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute in the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT in Business, Media Technology, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, we are one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow.

Terms and conditions

We offer a full-time 1-year term position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary ranges from € 2.770,- to € 3.539,- gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

D&I statement

Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.