The Department of Information and Communication Systems at Mid Sweden University, Campus Sundsvall is looking for Early Stage Researcher Doctoral student position in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN European Training Network on Full Parallax Imaging
PhD student in Computer and System Sciences
Ref no. MIUN 2015/2123

Current technology fall far short of truly recreating visual reality. This can never be achieved by painting an image on a flat surface such as a TV screen, but requires a full-parallax equipment which can capture and recreate the complete light field, i.e. the light travelling in every direction through every point in space. Recent years have seen major developments towards this goal, promising a new generation of ultra-realistic visual experience with applications in medicine, informatics, manufacturing, entertainment, gaming and more. Consecutively, the new developments requires a new generation of researchers trained in the relevant physics, signal processing, and in the biology of human vision.

The European Training Network on Full-Parallax Imaging (ETN-FPI) offers positions for early-stage researchers (ESRs) who have the suitable background and motivation to work on highly-innovative multidisciplinary projects and be trained in competitive yet collaborative research and study environment. The network provides training in related disciplines including theoretical and applied optics, multi-dimensional image processing, and visual neuroscience. Besides local courses offered by prestigious universities, the training program includes online seminars, workshops, and training schools. Mobility between network partners is supported by research visits and secondments. In this way, the ESRs will be integrated in the network with the aim to interact with their fellows and within different research, development and innovation environments.

This highly innovative training will enable the ESRs to build a solid foundation in the area, and will put them in an extremely good position in their future career endeavours, in a rapidly growing sector.

The network offers fifteen well-funded research positions for doctoral students, which opens the perspectives for an excellent training and a free creative work in prestigious institutions and companies in the field. ETN-FPI is the only EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action of this type regarding full-parallax imaging and display. The aim of the network is to recruit excellent researchers with the ambition to become the next research leaders and innovators in the area of visual media.

Job description
Position open at Mid Sweden University. The ESR is expected to pursue theoretical and experimental research. The research is a part of the profile area of Industrial IT and digital services at Mid Sweden University, and it will be carried out in collaboration with experts in multidimensional signal processing and imaging in the research group Realistic 3D, part of the STC Research Centre. The ESR will have access to the laboratory facilities of the research group, which contains lightfield capture devices and displays, among others. More information can be found at www.miun.se/stc/realistic3d.

As PhD students, the ESR shall pursue research and graduate studies. An interest in mathematical formulation and analysis, as well as programming is required. The work is of theoretical nature with elements of computer simulations and experimental work. The employment consists of 100% research.

Project description
Computationally Efficient Lightfield Compression

Objectives: Investigate and develop new formats and compression methods for lightfield data to be used in immersive experiences, special effect post-production, and free navigation in 3D space with focus on computational efficiency. Study the limitations and assumptions of conventional, existing multi-view compression methods and circumvent these limitations by adapting the specific characteristics of the lightfield representation.

Expected Results: The research is expected to generate an account of important aspects for computationally efficient compression procedures and the effect of capture system and of scene characteristics on storage formats and compression algorithms. New formats preserving lightfield features and effective compression methods shall be developed and tested with respect to required characteristics.

Secondments at partners of the ETN-FPI are encouraged and have been planned for periods for up to nine months. These research visits enables the ESR to learn more about appropriate procedures to evaluate the quality of decoded data and features in lightfield data that have to be preserved in the compression process.

Jurisdiction
Qualified for application are students who have passed an examination at advanced level or have completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS, including at least 60 ECTS at advanced (master) level. In addition, the applicant shall have at least 90 ECTS in relevant research discipline or corresponding knowledge. Good knowledge of English, both orally and in writing, is required. Master of Science degree in electrical engineering, computer science or applied physics is an appropriate background for employment.

Early-Stage Researchers (ESR) shall, at the time of recruitment by the host organisation (or relevant deadline), be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and not yet have been awarded a doctoral degree. Full-time equivalent research experience is measured from the date when a researcher obtained the degree that would formally entitle him/her to embark on a doctorate.

Applicants must comply with the H2020 MSCA Mobility Rule. I.e, at the time of recruitment, the ESRs must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organization (Sweden) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.

Selection criteria
In addition to the formal qualifications, selection is also based on other works (e.g. thesis), and advanced level courses, as well as through interviews and assignments. Besides good subject knowledge, emphasis will be on creative thinking, motivation, ability to cooperate, initiative to work independently and personal suitability for research training. Previous experience of optics, system modelling, image and video processing and coding, as well as multiple view geometry, computer vision, computer graphics and applied mathematics is meritorious. Proficiency in using scientific software packages such as Matlab and C are required.

Research Field
Computer and System Sciences

Carrier Stage
Early stage researcher or 0-4 years of (Post graduate) experience.
First Stage Researcher (R1)

Employment
Postgraduate position is a four-year employment and is expected to lead to PhD degrees. Location: Sundsvall.

Salary
The salary will be set in accordance with MSCA ESR rates and the Mid Sweden University regulations for graduate students. During the first 36 months, mobility and family allowances will be paid depending on the ESRs’ personal situation, in accordance with MSCA ESR regulations.

Commencement
1 March 2016, or by appointment

Information
Further information is available from Prof. Mårten Sjöström (Head of the research group Realistic 3D), marten.sjostrom@miun.se, phone +46 10 142 8836 or Dr. Patrik Österberg (Head of department), patrik.osterberg@miun.se, phone, +46 10 142 8614. See also http://www.doktorandhandboken.nu for more information on doctoral studies in Sweden. Union representatives are Ummis Jonsson, SACO, phone +46 10-142 8809, and Lollo Ljuslin, ST/TCO, phone +46 10 142 7914.

Application
The application shall include (1) a one-page statement written in English describing the applicant’s motivation for applying for the position, her/his strengths and weaknesses, and carrier interests including a brief description of the candidate's goals and expectations for its graduate studies; (2) MSc degree certificate and transcripts of prior academic degree programme(s); (3) a CV; (4) a one-page abstract of research proposal (summarizing the current knowledge of the candidate about the field and possible research approaches and tools); and (5) Eligibility form for MSCA-ITN. If available, recommendation letters, list of publications or proof of other relevant qualifications may supplement the application. Female candidates are encouraged to apply in order to achieve a better gender balance at the department. Documents shall be sent to the Registrar, Mid Sweden University, 851 70, Sundsvall, Sweden, or electronically to registrator@miun.se.  State ref. no. MIUN 2015/2123, and indicate the ESR position in mind. Applications must be received by Mid Sweden University no later than 15 January 2016, but applications are evaluated as they are received.

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