Doctoral Researcher for Machine Vision and Signal Analysis

We are now looking for a

Doctoral researcher 

to work on a research project, “Methods and applications for high-efficiency polynomial solvers”, led by Professor Janne Heikkilä in the Center for Machine Vision and Signal Analysis Research Unit (CMVS), Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. The project aims to develop efficient algorithms for solving systems of polynomial equations in computer vision by borrowing novel techniques from the field of algebraic geometry. The project is funded by the Academy of Finland.

CMVS provides an inspiring and international research environment. CMVS is renowned worldwide for its scientific breakthroughs in machine vision and signal analysis. Many of its results, including the Local Binary Pattern, face analysis, and geometric camera calibration methodologies, are highly cited and have been adopted for different types of problems and applications around the world.  The unit is highly international, with research personnel and visiting scholars representing a wide range of nationalities and cultures.

The main research interests of CMVS are in computer vision and machine learning, affective computing, multimodal image and signal analysis, low-energy computing, and applications in affective human-computer interaction, biometrics, augmented reality, and biomedicine. In physiological signal analysis, basic, applied, and translational research in biomedical engineering is carried out to tackle key challenges of next-generation personalized medicine and wellness solutions. In its field, the Research Unit is globally highly ranked with research activities based on international collaborations. The partners of CMVS include three institutes of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Computing Technology, Psychology, and Automation), National University of Singapore, Stanford University (USA), University of Georgia (USA), Imperial College London, Czech Technical University (Prague), University of Maryland (USA), Idiap Research Institute (Switzerland), and EPFL (Switzerland).  In education, CMVS is responsible for organizing many artificial intelligence-related courses for undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Oulu.

About the job

As a doctoral researcher, you will be studying the courses related to the subject field, collaborating with other team members working on the same project or the same subject, writing research papers, and finally, a doctoral dissertation.  Specifically, for this position, you will be working at the intersection of mathematics and computer vision.

You will be expected to carry out the following tasks:

1. Study the topics in applied mathematics, such as linear algebra, algebraic geometry, non-linear optimization, and incorporate them in algorithms for solving systems of polynomial equations.
2. Implement polynomial solving algorithms in one of the popular programming languages, such as C/C++/Python/Matlab.
3. Design and implement strategies for solving challenging problems in geometric computer vision.

What we offer?

• We offer you a place in a highly talented research group working to solve globally significant research problems.
• Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
• In addition to modern research facilities, we offer you personnel benefits such as free occupational healthcare, wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being, and endless opportunities to develop your skills and competencies. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

A successful candidate for the doctoral researcher position must have the following:

• A master’s degree in computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related area
• Good knowledge of spoken and written English
• Good programming skills in one of the following programming languages: C/C++/Python/Matlab

The following qualities are desirable:

• Previous experience and publications in one of the fields related to computer vision or applied mathematics, such as multiple-view geometry, symbolic computation, applications of algebraic geometry, computer algebra systems, etc.
• Developing algorithms for polynomial solving requires a foundational knowledge of concepts in algebra and its various subtopics. Hence, demonstrated interest and willingness to learn such topics will be a plus.

Please see also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS).

Salary

The position is fixed-term until August 31, 2027. The expected starting time for the work is January 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 2300-2600 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 01.10.2023 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Motivation letter
2. Curriculum vitae, optionally including a list of publications (max. 4 pages)
3. A statement of purpose or a research plan, max. 2 pages (preferably covering a topic relevant to geometric computer vision, or computational techniques in mathematics)
4. Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original master’s degree certificate and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact

Professor Janne Heikkilä
Center for Machine Vision and Signal Analysis Research
Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
Tel: +358294482786  Email: janne.heikkila@oulu.fi

Mr. Snehal Bhayani
Center for Machine Vision and Signal Analysis Research
Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
Tel: +358442430410  Email: snehal.bhayani@oulu.fi