PhD in Machine Learning Fruit Analysis

Overview

As a PhD student, you will be embedded in the research group Computational Imaging and Deep Learning (CIDL), part of the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS). As a team, we develop cutting-edge techniques for advanced computational imaging systems, combining expertise from Mathematics (Inverse Problems), Computer Science (Machine learning, Efficient Algorithms and High-Performance Computing), and Physics (Image Formation Modelling).

Your project is part of the NXTGen High-tech project, which focuses on the development of new high-tech equipment and data-driven techniques for groundbreaking innovations in future industries. Specifically, in our collaborative work package we team up with GREEFA and Fruitmasters, respectively market leaders in the development and application of fruit sorting automation.

The main goal of your PhD project will be to develop combined X-ray and vision imaging technologies and machine learning methods to estimate physiological parameters (eat-readiness, shelf-life) of fruits at industrial sorting speeds. The work will include creating an accurate simulation framework for paired visible-light and X-ray images of fruit and developing methods for fast 3D shape modelling of fruits, correcting X-ray images for object thickness, and estimating physiological parameters based on paired visible-light and X-ray images.

The developed techniques will be validated on real data.

As a candidate, you must have a strong background in machine learning and computer vision, as well as excellent programming skills. In addition, you must of course have an understanding and an interest in real-world applications!

• Conduct original and novel research in the field of Machine Learning and Computer Vision
• Publish and present scientific articles at international journals and conferences
• Contribute to educational activities
• Write a dissertation
• Engage in collaborations with colleagues across domains

The Leiden Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,700 staff and almost 6,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

For more information, see the text below without links.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in the core areas of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, and Data Science, and also in the interdisciplinary areas of ICT in Business, Media Technology and Creative science, and Bioinformatics.

According to an independent research visitation, we are one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. Our people and our focus on collaboration in a caring atmosphere are dear to us. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and inclusiveness go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow.

For more information about LIACS, see the text below without links.

• A MSc degree in Computer science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field
• Good knowledge of and experienced with Machine learning, Image processing, and Computer Vision techniques
• Highly motivated to both perform foundational research and apply the developed methods to real-world problems
• Highly motivated to work in a team towards real-world applications
• Creative, ‘making things work’ mentality, independent, and communicative team player
• Experienced with…