Vacancy number: 16832
Job type: PhD positions
Contract hours min: 38
Contract hours max: 38
Location: Leiden
Applying is possible up to and including: 5 September 2026
PhD in Computational Imaging for High-Throughput Applications (1.0 fte)
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 DUAL-IMPACT project, which focuses on the development of new data-driven 3D X-ray inspection techniques for industrial quality control. The project is foundational in nature, while at the same time exploring applications in collaboration with industry partners.
The main goal of your PhD project will be to develop combined X-ray and visible-light imaging technologies and machine learning methods for high-throughput inspection tasks. The work will include the development of novel volumetric representations and computational imaging methods for paired visible-light and X-ray images, as well as extending computer vision techniques from the visible-light RGB photography domain into the transmission X-ray imaging regime. The developed techniques will be validated on real data.
As a candidate, you must have a strong background in machine learning, computational imaging, and/or computer vision, and affinity with understanding imaging physics. Excellent programming skills are also high important. In addition, you must of course have an interest in real-world applications.
What you will do
- Conduct original and novel research in the field of Computational Imaging 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
Where you will work
Curiosity and passion for science are what connect our people: we seek to know, understand, interpret, and create. Our mission is to provide excellent education and research across the full spectrum of the natural sciences, contributing to solutions for major societal challenges. Our eight institutes—ranging from mathematics, computer science, astronomy, physics, chemistry, and biopharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences—together with the Lorentz Center and the Hortus botanicus, form the backbone of our faculty and are closely connected. We work in a safe, stimulating, and international environment where enthusiasm and passion drive both research and education, and where building connections and collaboration, both within and beyond the faculty, come naturally.
The faculty is home to more than 2,700 staff members and over 6,000 students enrolled in nine bachelor's and fifteen master's programs. We are located at the heart of the Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s largest science parks, where academia and industry come together.
You will be part of the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS). LIACS offers the bachelor's programs in Computer Science and Data Science/Artificial Intelligence, as well as master's programs in Computer Science, ICT in Business and the Public Sector, Media Technology, and Science Based Business. According to an independent research assessment, LIACS is one of the leading computer science departments in the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a supportive institute where academic achievement, enjoyment, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and welcoming career path for young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. For more information about LIACS, visit our website.
What you bring
- 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 writing scientific manuscripts and good academic writing skills;
- Excellent programming skills (preferably Python and/or C++);
- Excellent proficiency in English (oral and written).
- Flexibility regarding working on-site with the diverse project partners.
If you immediately recognise yourself in this profile, or if do you not quite meet all the requirements, but you believe that this is the right job for you, we look forward to your application!
What we offer
Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.
You can count on an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research. The University's challenging and international work environment is located just steps away from Leiden’s lively city centre or the bustling city centre of The Hague. We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.
- We offer a full-time appointment of initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, teaching evaluations, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended for another three years;
- The salary will be in the range of € 3.204,- to € 4.051,- gross per month, subject to national taxation and social contributions;
- A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
- Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
- Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
- Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
- If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
- A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop and a mobile telephone.
For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions
What we value
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent.
Want to apply or find out more?
Inquiries about the research area can be made to Prof. Joost Batenburg [email protected]. If you have any questions about the application procedure, please send an email to [email protected]
Applications
Please submit your application online via the blue button in the vacancy. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents:
- A motivation letter (1 page);
- A brief research statement (max. 3 pages) describing your research so far and your research plan for the postdoc;
- A full CV, including a list of publications and a link to your Google Scholar or ORCID publication list;
- The names and e-mail addresses of at least two scientists who agreed to be contacted for reference letters.
Only applications received no later than September 5 can be considered.
The selection procedure will take place in September 2026, and selected candidates may be invited for an online and/or physical interview in this period, during which you are kindly requested to be available.
