PhD Cand. on Exploring Pareidolia in Comp. Vision to Enhance Interpretability and Creativity in AI

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

PhD Candidate on Exploring Pareidolia in Computer Vision to Enhance Interpretability, Robustness, and Creativity in AI

Why does an AI think something is a face —or not? This PhD project investigates pareidolia—the brain’s tendency to perceive faces in non-face visuals such as clouds, sockets, and tree trunks—as a tool to enhance interpretability, robustness, and creativity in computer vision. While human vision is remarkably adaptive and creative, current AI models struggle to recognize or convincingly generate pareidolic patterns. Understanding why this gap between human and machine perception emerges can guide the development of more human-like AI systems.

Pareidolia is deeply embedded in human perception and has inspired art and creativity —for example, in Salvador Dali’s ‘Slave Market with the Disappearing Bust of Voltaire’. The project will explore the interplay between pareidolia, creativity, and aesthetics, particularly through the lens of generative AI. This line of inquiry could inspire AI-generated content, interactive design tools, and emotionally resonant products, especially in the fields like robotics and user experience.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of computer vision, interpretability, human perception, and computational creativity. You will be embedded in the Human AI cluster, at the Leiden Institute for Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) at Leiden University, supervised by dr. Derya Soydaner, dr. Joost Broekens, and dr. Rob Saunders.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, fine-tune, and evaluate computer vision models (e.g., CNNs, ViTs, generative models) with an emphasis on interpretability, robustness, and creativity;
• Design and implement experiments to investigate human and machine perception of pareidolia, and conduct original research in computer vision;
• Explore generative AI techniques to synthesize pareidolic imagery and assess model outputs for perceptual and creative relevance;
• Curate and/or utilize benchmark datasets of pareidolic visuals, and apply statistical and machine learning methods to analyze visual data and model behavior;
• Publish and present research findings in leading AI conferences and journals;
• Engage with interdisciplinary concepts from psychology, vision science, and art to enrich research perspectives;
• Contribute to teaching and the open-source dissemination of models and datasets;
• Assist in relevant teaching activities;

Selection Criteria
We are looking for a candidate that meets the following criteria:

• MSc degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related field;
• Strong background in image processing, computer vision, and deep learning;
• Excellent programming skills (Python preferred), with experience in large-scale image processing and deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, Tensorflow);
• Interest in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI, human perception, and creativity;
• Familiarity with computer vision tasks (e.g., object detection, face recognition, generative models) and experience with generative AI models is a plus;
• Curiosity or background in vision science, psychology, cognitive science, or art is a plus;
• Self-motivated, creative, and able to work both independently and as a part of a research team;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English;
• Strong ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic research environment.

Research at LIACS

The Leiden Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of one of Europe’s biggest bio-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 of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in the core areas of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, and Data Science, and in the interdisciplinary areas of Business, Creative Intelligence, and Bioinformatics. We are a highly international place to do research, committed to excellence in a supportive and inclusive environment. We value fun, inclusivity, openness, and teamwork, ensuring that excellence and enjoyment go hand in hand. At LIACS, we balance teaching and research, offering a clear and inviting career path for 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 range from € 2.901- to € 3.707,- 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.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. 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.

Information
Enquiries can be made to dr. Derya Soydaner, email: d.soydaner@liacs.leidenuniv.nl. If you have any questions regarding the procedure, you can send an email to: jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl.