The national Pioneer Centre for AI and the Visual Analysis and Perception Lab at Aalborg University invite applications for a fully funded PhD fellow working on novel algorithms for under water computer vision.

Our marine environments are under pressure from rising temperatures, eutrophication, fishing activities, and more. This leads to a decline in biodiversity, destruction of habitats, and collapse of fish stocks, which can have huge negative societal and environmental implications. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive and sustainable strategies that must be based on solid scientific research. However, traditional manual data gathering, and analysis tools are not scalable or sufficient to provide in-depth insights across vast underwater areas and across extended periods of time. Therefore, innovative approaches and advanced technologies are imperative to efficiently enhance our understanding and management of marine ecosystems. The PhD project will contribute to our overall effort that seeks to leverage computer vision and artificial intelligence to develop novel sensing and perception systems capable of providing unprecedented insights into the hidden world beneath the water's surface. The goal is together with marine biologists to push the boundaries of our current understanding of underwater environments, enabling more accurate and comprehensive monitoring and conservation efforts.

In this PhD project, we are particularly interested in algorithms for long-term monitoring. This involves novel algorithms for detection of different types of marine organisms. The algorithms should be robust with respect to changes in turbidity and illumination, and also strive towards re-identification of the same individual across time. The team already has developed several fully annotated underwater datasets from where the PhD project can start, and more data will be collected and annotated together with our marine biologist collaborators. This includes data captured in advanced marine labs where conditions can be simulated as well as data captured in the wild using underwater mounted sensors and drones.

The PhD student will be part of a team focusing on a multitude of long-term research objectives in relation to underwater computer vision for environmental monitoring. Flexibility regarding the specific research questions to focus on is an option. The candidate will be a member of thePioneer Centre for AI, a 5-university Danish research endeavor, and physically sitting in the Visual Analysis and Perception Lab at Aalborg University. Both the center and lab are highly international and well-funded, working on a broad range of fundamental and applied research topics within AI and computer vision.

Qualification requirements

• Master's degree with a strong focus on computer vision and/or AI
• Proficiency in programming languages, e.g., Python
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• An interest in environmental monitoring
• Prior experience with data capturing and annotation campaigns are judged positively
• Prior experience in underwater computer vision is judged positively

You may obtain further information from Professor Thomas B. Moeslund, Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology, phone:+452834 3530 or+45 9940 8787, email:tbm@create.aau.dk concerning the scientific aspects of the stipend.

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that subsequent to the deadline for applications the head of department supported by the chair of the assessment committee will select candidates for assessment. All applicants will be informed whether they will be assessed or not.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure, please contact Ms. Annemarie Davidsen, the Doctoral School at the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, email: ada@adm.aau.dk.

For more information of the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design:www.phd.aau.dk/ 
The application is only to be submitted online by using the"Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

Wages and employment

Ref number

7-24017

Deadline

01.05.2024