PhD Candidate in Image Processing and Visual AI

The Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering offers education in the fields of computer engineering, electronics, electrical engineering, and sound production. Research at the department is conducted at the research center Sensible Things that Communicate (www.miun.se/stc (http://www.miun.se/stc)) and focuses on sensor-based systems and services for use in the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence.

Mid Sweden University, in collaboration with Tampere University, is seeking a talented and motivated candidate with a strong background in image processing, computer vision, optimization, machine learning, and deep learning, as well as applied mathematics, to implement innovative visual AI and develop the next generation of image technology for capturing, processing, and rendering images.

The PhD position is part of the international graduate school IRS TransTech, where you will have the opportunity to collaborate with leading international universities and Swedish companies. The graduate school focuses on transformative technologies such as AI, IoT, and advanced materials, aiming to drive sustainable industrial development and strengthen international research and business networks.

The research for this position will be conducted in collaboration between the Realistic 3D research group at the STC research center, Mid Sweden University (www.miun.se/realistic3d (http://www.miun.se/realistic3d)) and the 3D Media Group at Tampere University, Finland (https://research.tuni.fi/3dmedia (https://research.tuni.fi/3dmedia)). The research will investigate and design neural architectures that are adequate and generalizable for solving image problems. The goal is to improve image quality and increase computational efficiency. This will be achieved by incorporating domain knowledge about modality-specific image technology into neural architectures, particularly under challenging conditions. This PhD position will lead to a double doctorate from the two universities.

Multidimensional signal processing is part of the field of computer engineering that encompasses techniques, theories, and methodological aspects for capturing, modeling, processing, coding, and visualizing signals, especially those that can be interpreted by human perception. Central to this is collaborative signals and systems. The research is focused on visual AI, which combines knowledge in optics, image processing, computer vision, as well as machine learning and deep learning.

Responsibilities

Independent doctoral training involving 100% research. Doctoral training includes both courses and research work.

Eligibility

Basic eligibility is met by those who have obtained a degree at the advanced level or completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level or in some other way acquired equivalent knowledge in or outside the country. Specific eligibility is met by those who have at least 90 higher education credits in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or Applied Mathematics, or in some other way acquired equivalent knowledge in or outside the country.

Assessment Criteria

The candidate is expected to have demonstrated expertise in image processing, computer/machine vision, machine learning, deep learning, and optimization algorithms; very good mathematical knowledge and skills; very good programming and implementation skills in machine learning and deep learning, using e.g. Python / PyTorch / TensorFlow etc.; and excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Previous experience in the following areas is meritorious: immersive media such as augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR), inverse problems and related algorithms, as well as high-performance computing and parallel processing on GPUs.

Personal Attributes

Personal attributes required for the position include analytical, systematic, communicative, and the ability to work independently and in teams. These attributes are important for succeeding in doctoral education. Additional desirable attributes are curiosity, creative thinking, initiative, and goal-oriented.

Other Assessment Criteria

Other assessment criteria include published scientific articles, larger software projects, and other activities relevant to the position.

Processing

The preparation of the employment follows the forms specified in Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance and proceeds in accordance with here (https://www.miun.se/medarbetare/styrdokument/ny-styrning-planering-och-uppfoljning/Personal/Anstalla-personal/?item=311447).

Employment and Start Date

The PhD position corresponds to an employment of four years of full-time studies and is expected to lead to a doctoral degree. Start date 2025-09-01 or by agreement.

A new employment as a PhD student is valid for a maximum of one year, and the employment may thereafter be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. Regulations regarding employment as a PhD student can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

Place of employment: Sundsvall, Sweden (years 1-2), Tampere, Finland (years 3-4)

Salary: According to Mid Sweden University's salary scale for PhD students: 32,700 SEK (before tax) year 1, increasing with progression in studies.

Information

For further information, please contact Head of Department Docent Patrik Österberg, Patrik.Osterberg@miun.se (mailto:Patrik.Osterberg@miun.se), or research leader Prof. Mårten Sjöström, Marten.Sjostrom@miun.se (mailto:Marten.Sjostrom@miun.se), Prof. Atanas Gotchev, Atanas.Gotchev@tuni.fi (mailto:Atanas.Gotchev@tuni.fi).

Application

Documents to be attached to the application:

• cover letter (max 1 page)
• Verified CV, including a publication list
• copies of official transcripts and degree certificates (MSc+BSc), and their English translations (Swedish certificates accepted), and diploma supplements
• link to Master's thesis
• contact details for two referees
• other documents that the applicant wishes to refer to.

Application documents should be in Swedish or English. For this recruitment, application documents are desired in English.

Welcome with your application via our recruitment system no later than 2025-04-17.