PhD scholarship in 3D Vision for Robotics - DTU Compute

DTU Compute  and the Pioneer Centre  for Artificial Intelligence are excited to offer a PhD position for a talented and motivated student to join our lab at DTU led by Theodora Kontogianni. Our research focuses on solving real-world challenges, with applications ranging from everyday automation to industrial and medical robotics. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to engage in cutting-edge research at the intersection of computer vision, artificial intelligence, and robotics while collaborating with top researchers and gaining exposure to global academic networks.

The position is available from 1 March 2025 or as soon as possible.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The primary goal of this position is to push the boundaries of computer vision and robotics. The overarching mission of our newly established research lab is to develop autonomous systems that enhance hu[AD3] [MOU4] man capabilities across a wide range of impactful applications, from everyday tasks to industry and healthcare. The group’s main focus is advancing perception for robot learning, aiming to create systems that can understand their surroundings and perform a broad range of tasks.

We are particularly interested in candidates who want to explore one or more of the following research areas: multi-modal input, continual learning, and adaptive methods for task planning and execution in real-world environments with autonomous agents. You will be a vital part of the Visual Computing Section , supervised by Theodora Kontogianni . Collaboration with academic partners, locally and internationally, will be a part of the role.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Conducting research and developing 3D vision algorithms for object detection, recognition, and scene understanding to support planning and task execution in dynamic environments.
• Publishing research findings in leading international conferences and journals.
• Assisting in the supervision of MSc and BSc student projects in related fields.
• Managing your own academic research and administrative duties, including small-scale project management to ensure various tasks meet deadlines.
• Contributing innovative ideas for new research projects.

Selection Criteria

• A two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree in mathematics, physics, computer science, electrical engineering or closely related fields with a focus on computer vision, machine learning or robotics
• A background in computer vision, machine learning and/or robotics.
• Prior experience in 3D vision or related fields such as 3D reconstruction
• Proven software and debugging skills in Python and/or C++
• Experience with learning frameworks such as PyTorch
• Experience in Linux and development tools such as git, conda, or docker
• Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work on interdisciplinary teams
• Publication record is highly desired

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Theodora Kontogianni.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths. 

Further information  
For more information please contact Assistant Professor Theodora Kontogianni ([email protected]) or Head of Section, Professor Anders Bjorholm Dahl ([email protected]).

You can read more about the Department at DTU Compute -Visual Computing  and previous research on Personal Page  and Google Scholar .

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 10 February 2025 (23:59 Danish time) . Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Name up to 2 people who may be contacted to provide reference letter (e.g. master thesis supervisor)

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

Visual Computing at DTU Compute
The Visual Computing section at DTU Compute leads research in extracting information from images through cutting-edge methods in image analysis and computer vision. This work focuses on areas such as Medical Image Analysis, Computer Vision, and 3D Microstructure Analysis, where vision-based technologies play a key role in solving real-world problems. The lab’s contributions in these fields have not only advanced the theoretical foundations of visual computing but also resulted in practical innovations, including the founding of several startups by former researchers.

Pioneer Centre for AI
The Pioneer Centre for Artificial Intelligence, established in 2021, is Denmark’s largest AI research centre. Hosted by the University of Copenhagen, it collaborates with leading institutions such as the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Aalborg University, Aarhus University, and the IT University of Copenhagen. With over 507 researchers and 60 workspaces , the centre focuses on foundational and applied AI research that addresses societal challenges across ten areas, including robotics, healthcare, climate, and economic growth. The centre aims to place Denmark at the forefront of AI research globally, combining technological innovation with human-centric design. Its interdisciplinary research bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world impact, driving innovation in areas like automation, sustainable development, and human augmentation.

DTU Compute
DTU Compute is a unique and internationally recognized academic department with 385 employees and 11 research sections spanning the science disciplines mathematics, statistics, computer science, and engineering. We conduct research, teaching and innovation of high international standard – producing new knowledge and technology-based solutions to societal challenges. We have a long-term involvement in applied and interdisciplinary research, big data and data science, artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), smart and secure societies, smart manufacturing, and life science. At DTU Compute we believe in a diverse workplace with a flexible work-life balance.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.