PhD Studentship in Computer Vision for Autonomous Vehicles

PhD Studentship in Computer Vision
Monday, July 23, 2018 - 14:45

PhD Studentship in Computer Vision for Autonomous Vehicles

Full details of the position are available at the following link: Lero_PhD_0818.pdf

Applications are invited for a PhD Studentship in Computer Vision for Autonomous Vehicles in the Computer Vision Group at Maynooth University Department of Computer Science. The position is fully funded for 4 years through Lero – the Irish Software Research Centre (www.lero.ie) as part of a 4 year collaborative project with a Tier 1 supplier of automotive vision systems and includes a competitive stipend, PhD fees (EU level), a generous travel allowance, and funding for associated hardware and software (as part of the wider project).

The topic of the PhD is robust data-association in multi-session and collaborative simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM). Solutions to this problem are particularly relevant in autonomous vehicle settings where algorithms are required to relate visual sensor data from repeated trajectories through the same environment across long time scales (e.g. months or years). These algorithms must therefore be robust to strongly varying lighting and weather conditions, and considerable variation in scene structure and appearance. Recent developments in deep learning are presenting compelling new approaches to addressing this problem. The aim of the PhD will be to investigate and develop new approaches that leverage and extend these results in the context of autonomous vehicles.

The student will be expected to work closely with members of the research team both at Maynooth University and at the commercial partner’s site in Ireland, contributing new knowledge to the area and actively publishing their research results in leading computer vision, robotics, and/or intelligent vehicle system conferences and journals.

The successful candidate must have:

  • a Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, or a cognate discipline, with a final grade of 2.1H or higher (or equivalent)
  • prior modules completed in a selection of the following topics: computer vision, robotics, AI/machine learning
  • a strong mathematical background
  • excellent software development and programming skills, with a strong capability in C++
  • experience in working with Linux based systems
  • excellent written and verbal communication skills

Experience in the following is also desirable:

  • application of computer vision / robotics / machine learning to real-world problems (e.g. through previous projects, internships, etc.)
  • python, OpenCV, the Robotics Operating System (ROS), Deep Learning Frameworks (e.g. pytorch, TensorFlow, etc.)

Applicants with previous research experience, and in particular, publications in any of the scientific areas mentioned above will be favoured in the recruitment process.

Applications including a cover letter, full CV, and contact details of two academic referees should be sent to Dr. John McDonald (John.McDonald@mu.ie) with the subject line “LERO PhD 08/18”.
 
Informal enquires welcome.

Applications deadline: 10th August 2018.
Start Date: Sept/Oct 2018.

Full details of the position are available at the following link: Lero_PhD_0818.pdf