a talented PhD student (m/f/x) on the subject of: Computational Imaging for Industrial Quality Control
Job description
The project aims to develop key technologies required for fast, accurate, and automated detection of internal anomalies and defects directly from the imaging sensor data available in the high-throughput industrial workflow. To facilitate high-throughput inspection, decisions about the presence of defects or anomalies must be taken directly based on the limited, raw data measured by an in-line sensor system. Direct interpretation of such sensor data is challenging, and modern automated analysis tools based on machine learning require annotated training data. Two key problems must be tackled to facilitate such a high-throughput, data-driven workflow: 1. The lack of available ground truth data to support the use of supervised machine learning techniques, and 2. The limited signal information available in the high-speed sensor data, which may not be sufficient for certain types of internal anomalies. During the project, data-driven physics-aware workflows and algorithms will be developed and demonstrated in collaboration with industrial partners.
As a PhD student on this project, you will:
- Design and conduct research on computational methods for industrial quality control based on fusing computational imaging (specifically X-ray tomography and ultrasound imaging) with machine learning
- Engage in translational research, bridging the gap between technological innovation and industrial application
- Contribute to publications and presentations to disseminate findings within the scientific community
- Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and workshops to foster knowledge exchange and innovation
Your day-to-day research will take place in the computational imaging group at CWI, where you will have a chance to interact and collaborate with fellow PhD-students and research staff with a background in mathematics, computer science, and imaging science. It is expected that you will frequently interact with the other members of the consortium (Leiden University, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, and the industrial partners), as well as contribute to teaching at the Mathematical Institute at Utrecht University.
Requirements
- A master’s degree in applied mathematics, computational physics, computer science (or related), with a strong background in computational methods, preferably also using computational frameworks for machine learning in imaging. Affinity with imaging physics is a plus.
- Strong analytical skills and experience with imaging technologies (e.g., X-ray tomography, Ultrasound) and data analysis.
- The ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and communicate effectively across disciplines.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
Terms and conditions
The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres ("CAO-onderzoeksinstellingen"). The initial labour agreement will be for a period of 18 months. After a positive evaluation, the agreement will be extended by 30 months. The gross monthly salary, for a PhD student on a full time basis, is € 3,115 during the first year and increases to € 3,989 over the four year period. Employees are also entitled to a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.33%. CWI offers attractive working conditions, including flexible scheduling and help with housing for expat employees.
Please visit the CWI website for more information about our terms of employment’, or go to the working pages of the NWO website
Information and application
Send a motivation letter, a CV, including the email addresses of two references, a grade transcript and a copy of your Master’s thesis and and preferably a list of publications.
Applications can be sent up to and including June 30th 2026
For more information about the vacancies, please contact Prof.dr. Tristan van Leeuwen, email t.van.leeuwen@cwi.nl. For more information about CWI, please visit www.cwi.nl or watch our video about working at CWI.
CWI encourages a diverse workforce: we endeavour to develop talent and creativity by bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together. We recruit and select based on capabilities and talent. We strongly encourage everyone with the appropriate qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical abilities. working at CWI
Diversity code
CWI strives to be a diverse and inclusive research institute. To achieve balanced representation in positions, we have been investing in a diverse and inclusive organization already since 2010, among others by prioritizing applications from women researchers. This approach has recently led to hiring a majority of women in Tenure Track positions.
CWI encourages a diverse workforce: we endeavour to develop talent and creativity by bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together. We strongly encourage candidates with the appropriate qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, origin, sexual orientation or physical abilities.
About CWI
Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science and is part of the Institutes Organisation of the Dutch Research Council (NWO). The mission of CWI is to conduct pioneering research in mathematics and computer science, generating new knowledge in these fields and conveying it to trade, industry, and society at large.
CWI is an internationally oriented institute, with 160 scientists from approximately 27 countries, an informal atmosphere and short lines of communication. We have an activity committee that organizes after-work activities and among others a women’s network.
CWI is located at Science Park Amsterdam, which is a major location of research in the physical sciences in The Netherlands, housing the sciences of the University of Amsterdam as well as several other national research institutes next to CWI.
About Research group
To find more information about the group, please visit the group page and watch their video (see https://www.cwi.nl/en/groups/computational-imaging/).
