1 PhD position in High-Quality Rendering & Visualisation for Effective Image Synthesis in Netherlands | Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Architectural and scientific visualisation, entertainment (movies and games), simulations, and virtual training are only a few examples of applications in which computer graphics have a strong impact. Nonetheless, the corresponding images and the underlying content are increasingly difficult to produce and control; nature is too complex to be simulated in its entirety on a computer, and methods to capture our environment deliver increasingly accurate and complex representations.

This trend toward greater complexity is also reflected by artists who create progressively more complicated and detailed models. To render these objects in a virtual world, new algorithms are needed to display, illuminate, modify, and adapt data. Geometric complexity, material properties, propagation of light, and interactions with the scene pose significant challenges that need to be overcome to create a convincing virtual world and enable intuitive manipulations. In fact, effective image creation does not stop at a purely physical simulation; to make an image convincing, more understandable, or to guide the observer, it is important to allow an artist to manipulate the image synthesis process. The PhD candidate will investigate novel rendering solutions, partly coupled to perceptual phenomena, which rely on flexible data structures to enable manipulations of the standard image-generation process. The goal is to provide solutions to intuitively influence the rendering process and achieve artist-driven, yet visually plausible results.

Requirements

We are looking for a candidate who meets the following requirements:

• You are a talented and enthusiastic researcher.
• You have experience with computer graphics and image processing. Preferably, you have a Master degree in Computer Science, (Applied) Mathematics, (Applied) Physics or Electrical Engineering.
• Working knowledge of C++ and OpenGL is a requirement.
• You have excellent programming skills and experience.
• You are creative, ambitious, hardworking and persistent.
• You have a good command of the English language (knowledge of Dutch is not required).

Conditions of employment

TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week and the option of assembling a customised compensation and benefits package (the 'IKA'). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

Organisation

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Department

Electrical Engineering, Mathematics & Computer Science

The Department of Intelligent Systems (INSY) conceptualises computer science methodologies to sense, abstract, learn, reason, elicit and adapt data and their meaning in ways that respect human values in order to increase human effectiveness, well-being and social innovation. At the heart of the department is therefore research and teaching in computer science theory, algorithms and solutions for information processing systems that support humans (e.g. robotics), new products (e.g. Internet services), and science (e.g. biology).

The Computer Graphics and Visualisation group has a strong research record and is known for its expertise in visualisation, modelling, game technology, and rendering. Besides these major topics, interaction techniques, virtual/augmented reality, vision, perception, computational photography, and simulations play an important role. The group participates strongly in several Delft Research Initiatives, such as “Delft Data Science”, “Environment” and “Health”. The group maintains a strong network of worldwide partners from academia, medical centres and industry.