Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) has a vacancy in the “Computational Imaging” research group for a talented
PhD student
on the subject of “Dynamic X-ray Computed Tomography using Deep Generative Networks” (1.0 fte).
Job description
X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) is the most versatile 3D imaging technique to reveal the interior of static objects with high spatial resolution. It is indispensable in an increasing range of applications in science, health care and industry. However, despite considerable research, state-of-the-art (SOTA) image reconstruction methods fail to resolve dynamic processes with both high spatial and temporal resolution. This PhD position is part of an NWO Vidi project that will use deep generative neural networks to develop image reconstruction techniques that allow to realize the full potential of CT to reveal, analyse, control or optimize dynamical processes. Using a particular dynamic extension of deep generative image models for dynamic CT (called “dgdCT” hereafter) may circumvent most disadvantages of SOTA methods, but challenging methodical developments combined with experimental data acquisition and extensive evaluation are needed to prove this. The project will develop dgdCT, publish the first open software implementation that scales to high-resolution real-world applications, and provide the imaging community with an unprecedented, open, experimental data collection used for evaluation and benchmarking. Demonstrations on important real-world applications will showcase the potential of dgdCT to boost dynamic CT imaging. The project relies on the unique combination of the Computational Imaging group’s expertise in translating sophisticated image reconstruction techniques to real-world applications, a network of collaborations and our group’s software developments, experimental facilities and computational resources.
Within the Vidi project, the PhD student will work together with the PI Felix Lucka on methods development: First, we will develop a software implementation of dgdCT that is efficient enough to scale to challenging high-resolution applications while still being flexible enough to allow for curiosity-driven methodical research. Then, we will examine how to accelerate the numerical optimization behind fitting a dgdCT to new data so that it becomes a viable method for challenging large-scale applications. Finally, we will develop extensions of dgdCT that improve it and unlock its potential for tasks beyond image reconstruction. The methods developed will be tested on our group’s computational clusters for high-performance GPU computing and evaluated with simulated and experimental X-ray CT data.
The PhD candidate will be supervised by Felix Lucka, co-supervised by Tristan van Leeuwen and will be part of a large, dynamic research group together with other PhD candidates, postdoctoral and senior researchers that work on a variety of topics in computational imaging. Regular seminars and meetings facilitate a stimulating and supportive environment with many opportunities for both scientific exchange and personal development. Furthermore, the PhD candidate will have the opportunity to visit other international research groups for exchange and collaboration, and will learn how to present and disseminate the results of their PhD project on the most important international conferences for the topical area, such as NeurIPS, SIAM Imaging Science, or ICIAM.
Requirements
Candidates are required to have a strong background in Applied Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline. Good programming skills are essential. Preferable qualifications for candidates include proven research talent, an excellent command of English, and good academic writing and presentation skills.
Terms and conditions
The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres ("CAO-onderzoeksinstellingen"). The initial labour agreement will be for a period of 18 months. After a positive evaluation, the agreement will be extended by 30 months. The gross monthly salary, for a PhD student on a full time basis, is € 2,720 during the first year and increases to €3,484 over the four year period. Employees are also entitled to a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.33%. CWI offers attractive working conditions, including flexible scheduling and help with housing for expat employees.
Please visit our websites for more information about our terms of employment:
https://www.cwi.nl/jobs/terms-of-employment and
https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/working-at-nwo-i/jobsatnwoi/
Information and application
The PhD position can start between January 2024 and April 2024.
All applications should include a detailed resume, motivation letter, list of your MSc courses and grades, copy of your Master’s thesis and preferably a list of publications. For residents outside the EER-area, a Toefl English language test might be required.
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.
Application deadline: November 19, 2023.
We invite all interested candidates to apply using the apply button below.
For more information about the vacancy, please contact Felix Lucka, Felix.Lucka@cwi.nl.
For more information about CWI, please visit www.cwi.nl or watch our video about working at CWI
Diversity code
CWI encourages a diverse workforce: we endeavour to develop talent and creativity by bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together. We recruit and select based on capabilities and talent. We strongly encourage everyone with the appropriate qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical abilities.
About CWI
Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science and is part of the Institutes Organisation of the Dutch Research Council (NWO). The mission of CWI is to conduct pioneering research in mathematics and computer science, generating new knowledge in these fields and conveying it to trade, industry, and society at large.
CWI is an internationally oriented institute, with 160 scientists from approximately 27 countries, an informal atmosphere and short lines of communication. We have an activity committee that organizes after-work activities and an informal women’s network.
CWI is located at Science Park Amsterdam, the home of AMS-IX, that is presently developing into a major location of research in the physical sciences in The Netherlands, housing the sciences of the University of Amsterdam as well as several other national research institutes next to CWI.
About Research group
To find more information about the Cryptology group, please visit the group page.
https://www.cwi.nl/en/groups/computational-imaging/
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