Doctoral scholarship holder in neural representations of medium distortions in multi-modal robotic simulations
Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.
Position
* You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis that is part of the Flanders Make project Harmony. In this project, we will work on the implementation of the simulation of realistic medium distortions in robotic perception simulations. Indeed, dust, fog, rain, etc have tremendous impact on the perceived data in cameras, lidars, radar and sonar sensors. In this project, we will develop an approach to simulate these medium distortions based on neural BRDF representations.
* You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
* You will collaborate closely with other PhD students in the team and external partners in the SBO project.
* You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for courses related to Cyber-physical systems, electronics lab work or applied image/data processing.
Profile
* You hold a Master degree in Computer Science, Electronics Engineering or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
* Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
* You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
* Proficiency in scientific programming (Python and/or MATLAB).
* Experience with C++ and maintenance of complex software implementations. Experience with CUDA is a strong plus.
* Ability to design, conduct, and analyse controlled experiments, both in simulation and with real sensor data.
* Experience with robotic simulators such as Cosys-Airsim, Unreal Engine 5 and Isaac-Sim is a big plus.
What we offer
* We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation the scholarship can be renewed for another two years.
* You will submit an application to the Flemish science fund (FWO) for a full doctoral scholarship during the first year of your appointment.
* The planned start date is 1/10/2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
* Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
* You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
* As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
* You will do most of your work at Campus Groenenborger in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.
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