The Faculty of Technology has the following job opening: 
Additional Information:
Research Position (PhD candidate) for Generative Models and Self-supervised Learning
ID: Wiss25199
- starting: as soon as possible
- Vollzeit
- salary depending on personal skills/qualification up to Remuneration level E13 TV-L
- befristet
The PhD project „Generative Models and Self-supervised Learning” is part of the international research group Visual AI for Extended Reality led by Prof. Helge Rhodin. The goal is to advance foundational computer vision models, such as image and video diffusion models and DINO, for dynamic 3D reconstruction and scene understanding. The research group has extensive expertise in self-supervised learning, reconstructing digital humans, and introducing alternative sensing with ultrasound, upon which this position will build.
Your Tasks
The development of algorithms for learning structured representations for large image models, e. g., to split an image into its parts and to relate parts of a video image to the rest of the entire data set. International collaborations are expected, e. g. with the University of British Columbia or the Max-Planck Institute for Informatics.
The employment is conducive to scientific qualifications.
- development of new training algorithms, network layers, and mathematical models, such as the extension or replacement of contrastive learning and masked autoencoders, e. g., starting from [1] (50 %)
- mentoring student assistants who support the project and serve as a teaching assistant to the extent of 4 LVS (20 %)
- participating in research activities inside and outside the lab and sharing research, writing and communication skills with other team members (10 %)
- presentations inside and outside the lab (10 %)
- literature review on large-scale image procesiing models and subsequent refinement of the research direction that aligns best with the candidate’s background (5 %)
- contribution to academic self-governance, organisation of group events and other laboratory activities (5 %)
We offer
- salary depending on personal skills/qualification up to Remuneration level E13 TV-L
- befristet (limited until 30.04.2027) (§ 2 (1) sentence 1 of the WissZeitVG, in accordance with the provisions of the WissZeitVG and the Agreement on Satisfactory Conditions of Employment, the lenght of contract may differ in individual cases)
- Vollzeit
- possibility for mobile working
- internal and external training opportunities
- variety of health, consulting and prevention services
- reconcilability of family and work
- supplementary company pension
- collegial working environment
- open and pleasant working atmosphere
- exciting, varied tasks
- modern work environment with digital processes
- various offers (canteen, cafeteria, restaurants, Uni-Shop, ATM, etc.)
- 30 days holiday and additional days off on 24.12. and 31.12.
Your Profile
We expect
- completed or advanced relevant scientific university degree in computer science, physics, or mathematics
- interest in 3D reconstruction, machine learning, computer vision, and sensor technology in general
- excellent Python and basic Pytorch knowledge
- excellent written and spoken English language skills
- independent and self-reliant way of working
- strong organisational and coordination skills
- cooperative and team-oriented working style
- high motivation
- motivation to acquire basic language skills in German
Preferred experience and skills
- knowledge of or experience with probabilistic models, in especially generative models
- international research experience
- scientific writing experience
- skills in the field of machine learning and optimisation
Additional Information:
- The TVL-E 13 monthly salary is approximately (tariff increases for 2025 are not yet
included in these amounts):- 4.180 € without professional experience
- 4.500 € for 1 year of professional experience
- 4.700 € for 3 years of professional experience
- 5.210 € for 5 years of professional experience
- This is the gross salary; taxes and social security are subtracted from it.
Application Procedure
We are looking forward to receiving your application. To apply, please preferably use our online form via the application button below.
application deadline: 09.06.2025
Contact
Dr. Helge Rhodin
+49 521 106-12057
helge.rhodin@uni-bielefeld.de
Postal Address
Universität Bielefeld
Technische Fakultät
Dr. Helge Rhodin
Postfach 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld
Dr. Helge Rhodin
+49 521 106-12057
helge.rhodin@uni-bielefeld.de
Postal Address
Universität Bielefeld
Technische Fakultät
Dr. Helge Rhodin
Postfach 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld
Bielefeld University has received a number of awards for its achievements as an equal-opportunity employer and has been
recognized as a family-friendly university. The university welcomes applications from women. This is particularly true with regard
both to academic and technical posts as well as positions in information technology as well as the skilled crafts and trades.
Applications are handled according to the provisions of the state statutes on equal opportunity. Applications from suitably qualified
handicapped and severely handicapped persons are explicitly encouraged.
At Bielefeld University on request positions can be carried out with reduced working hours as long as this does not conflict with official needs.
