PhD position explainable DeepFake detection using Foundation models

The challenge:
In the past decades, photographs and videos of events were regarded as reliable evidence for both news media and forensic investigations. However, recent developments in AI technology now make it possible, with minimal technological knowledge or skills, to create extremely convincing manipulated or synthesised images, audio and video data, often called Deep Fakes.

This fact is a serious threat to the trustworthiness of news in the media and forensic processes in criminal investigations. Therefore, development of reliable methods to detect manipulations and distinguish bonafide from synthesised data is of utmost importance. In addition, especially for forensic investigations, simple detection is not sufficient. An explanation of the traces of manipulation and tools used for the synthesis or manipulation should be produced as well.

In the EU project DEFORM, 14 research institutes, universities and companies from 6 different countries aim to develop methods and tools for explainable detection of Deep Fakes using Foundation models and other techniques.

At the University of Twente, we are looking for a PhD
researcher who will work in close collaboration with the
other partners on detection of fake videos using
inconsistencies in video as well as audio.

• An MSc degree in electrical engineering,computer science or a closely related field.
• A solid foundation in computer vision, pattern recognition, AI-related techniques.
• Hands-on interest in designing methods using foundation models.
• You are curious, creative and motivated to solve demanding measurement problems.
• You enjoy moving between fundamental understanding, modelling, development andexperimental validation.
• You work carefully and systematically and are comfortable analysing measurement limitation sand uncertainty.
• You communicate clearly in English and enjoy working in an international, multidisciplinary team.
• You are willing to travel for project meetings,work visits and conferences.

• A fully funded, full-time PhD position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year and an intended start in autumn 2026.
• A dynamic research environment with enthusiastic colleagues and close interaction between measurement science and power electronics. A working culture that encourages independence, responsibility and close collaboration. A working culture that encourages independence, responsibility and close collaboration.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.204,- (first year) to € 4.051,- (fourth year);
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal work week of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis;
• Free access to sports facilities on campus;
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave

(both paid and unpaid);

• A tailored training and supervision plan supporting your scientific, technical and professional development.

The first round of interviews will be held on November 1, 2026. The selection procedure includes an interview and a short technical presentation.

For more information about this position, please contact dr. Luuk Spreeuwers via the following email address: l.j.spreeuwers.

Screening is part of the selection procedure.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer…