The goal of this project is to develop algorithms that analyze videoclips of human movement in sports (e.g. sprinting, jumping, kicking a ball in soccer), evaluate the quality of the performed movement, and automatically produce recommendations for improving the movement. The PhD student will explore state-of-the-art machine learning (mainly deep learning) approaches and develop prototypes for movement analysis. The algorithms will be used in (mobile) applications in which a user can load a videoclip, submit it to the algorithms for analysis, and receive the analysis results with recommendations for improvement.

The to-be-developed algorithms have a wide range of potential application domains including, but not limited to, soccer, athletics, rowing, skating, gymnastics, and swimming. The algorithms solve the problem that access to human experts that can provide instructions on how to best improve a movement is highly limited. Seen from a broader perspective, this project helps to increase the overall training level of a sport, which will have a positive effect on the feeling of well-being of the players/athletes, on the amateur level of a sport and in extension on the professional level of that sport.

The applications will be developed by a commercial partner and will include additional functionality providing the user with information on how the movement can be improved, for example by suggesting a number of training exercises. The embedding of the project within JADS and its entrepreneurial ecosystem allows the candidate to perform fundamental machine learning research on video analysis inside a stimulating academic and entrepreneurial environment.

The project is a collaboration of the Jheronimus Academy of Data Science (JADS), 's-Hertogenbosch (campus Mariënburg), Tilburg University (TiU), Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and commercial partners. The project also cooperates with the Department of Human Movement Sciences of VU Amsterdam.

Profile
The research will be conducted under supervision of Prof. Dr. Eric Postma and Prof. Dr. Ir. Wim Nuijten. It will deliver both long-term results (understanding of machine learning in video analysis) and mid-term results (algorithms, papers, and best practices).

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Perform scientific research in the domain described;
• Develop software that implements the algorithms described;
• Present results at (international) conferences;
• Publish results in scientific journals;
• Participate in activities of the group, mainly in 's-Hertogenbosch but sometimes also in Eindhoven or Tilburg or at one of the commercial partners.

Job qualifications
Candidates should:

• Have a MSc. in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Econometrics, AI or a related discipline;
• Have a strong interest in machine learning and deep learning;
• Have excellent programming skills and be highly motivated, be rigorous and disciplined when developing algorithms and software according to high quality standards;
• Have good technical understanding of the statistical models used in data science and machine learning;
• Have knowledge of, or a willingness to familiarize themselves with, current research into machine learning for video analysis;
• Have a commitment to develop algorithms that analyze videoclips of human movement in sports;
• Be a fast learner, autonomous and creative, show dedication and be hard working;
• Possess good communication capabilities and be an efficient team worker;
• Be fluent in English, both spoken and written.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year, concluded by an evaluation after approximately 10 months. Upon a positive outcome of the first-year evaluation, the candidate will be offered an employment contract for the remaining 3 years.

The PhD student will be employed at Tilburg University.
We offer:

• A full-time position.
• The selected candidate will start with a contract for one year, concluded by an evaluation after approximately 10 months. Upon a positive outcome of the first-year evaluation, the candidate will be offered an employment contract for the remaining three years.
• A minimum gross salary of   € 2.222,- per month up to a maximum of € 2.840,-., in the fourth year;
• A holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% (annually);
• Researchers from outside the Netherlands may qualify for a tax-free allowance equal to 30% of their taxable salary (the 30% tax regulation). The University will apply for such an allowance on their behalf;
• Assistance in finding accommodation (for foreign employees);
• The opportunity to perform cutting edge research in a large-scale joint data science project involving TiU, TU/e, JADS and a commercial partner and bringing together expertise of several senior researchers;
• Support for your personal development and career planning including participation in courses, summer schools, conference visits, research visits to other institutes (both academic and industrial), etc.;
• A broad package of fringe benefits (including excellent technical infrastructure, savings schemes and excellent sport facilities).

Jheronimus Academy of Data Science (JADS), 's-Hertogenbosch

Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences

Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences (TSHD) conducts scientific research and education in the fields of Communication and Information Sciences, Philosophy, Religious studies and Language and Culture studies. The School of Humanities features three departments, several research institutes and a faculty office. Each year around 275 students commence a Bachelor or (Pre) Master Program. The School has approximately 1300 students and 250 employees.

The project is a collaboration of the Jheronimus Academy of Data Science (JADS), 's-Hertogenbosch (campus Mariënburg), Tilburg University (TiU), Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and commercial partners. The project also cooperates with the Department of Human Movement Sciences of VU Amsterdam.