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, Computer Vision, Efficient Algorithms and High-Performance Computing), and Physics (Image Formation Modelling). Your project is part of the NXTGen High-tech project, which focuses on the development of new high-tech equipment and data-driven techniques for groundbreaking innovations in future industries. Specifically, in our collaborative work package we team up with GREEFA and Fruitmasters, respectively market leaders in the development and application of fruit sorting automation. The project is research-driven, with an emphasis on developing and analysing general Computer Vision methods, using real-world image data as a challenging experimental setting.
Research focus
The PhD will address open research questions in Computer Vision related to fine-grained visual understanding and anomaly detection under limited, weak, or imperfect supervision. The precise research direction will be defined together with the candidate and may evolve over the course of the PhD.
Example directions include:
- Anomaly, novelty, and out-of-distribution detection in visual data
- Fine-grained visual understanding for distinguishing subtle irregularities
- Learning visual representations with limited, weak, or noisy supervision
- Adapting, specializing, or probing large pre-trained models for domain-specific visual understanding
- Self-supervised and representation learning for images and videos
- Robustness and generalisation in real-world vision systems
- Interpretability and explainability of anomaly detection and visual decision-making
As a candidate, you must have a strong background in machine learning and computer vision, as well as excellent programming skills. In addition, you must of course have an understanding and an interest in real-world applications
What you will do - Conduct original and novel research in the field of Computer Vision and Machine Learning
- Develop and analyse novel deep-learning methods to learn for visual representation learning;
- Publish and present research at leading scientific international conferences and journals;
- Contribute to teaching activities within LIACS;
- Write and defend a PhD dissertation;
- Engage in collaborations with colleagues across domains
Where you will workThe Leiden Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see
https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science.
The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (
LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in the core areas of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, and Data Science, and also in the interdisciplinary areas of ICT in Business, Media Technology and Creative science, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, we are one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. Our people and our focus on collaboration in a caring atmosphere are dear to us. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and inclusiveness go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. For more information about LIACS, see
http://www.cs.leiden.edu.
What you bring - A MSc degree in Computer science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field;
- Strong background in Computer Vision and/or Machine Learning
- 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;
- Experience with writing scientific manuscripts and good academic writing skills;
- Experience with deep learning frameworks and excellent programming skills (preferably Python)
- Excellent proficiency in English (oral and written).
- Flexibility regarding working on-site with the diverse project partners.
What we offerAll our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.
We also offer:
- An employment contract for the duration 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. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
- A salary between € 3.059,= and € 3.881,= gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (Pay scale P);
- 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.
What we valueLeiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and \\especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. LIACS is a highly diverse institute, in culture, background, and gender. We stand for excellence in a caring Institute. We wish to reflect on society in all aspects, as we believe that this improves the dynamics in our organization. Therefore, we support and understand the need for a work/life/family balance and consequently varying working hours and places. We believe that doing good science is fun and goes hand in hand with a friendly culture. In the Netherlands, a maternity allowance is standard for 16 weeks. Childcare is available at and near the Bio Science Park.
Want to apply or find out more?Inquiries about the research area can be made to Prof. Joost Batenburg <k.j.batenburg@liacs.leidenuniv.nl> and Dr. Hazel Doughty <h.r.doughty@liacs.leidenuniv.nl> . If you have any questions about the application procedure, please send an email to jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl
Applications Please submit your application online via the blue button in the vacancy. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents:
- Motivation letter (max 1 page) explaining your interest in the FIND with clear arguments,
- CV including publications (if any), projects (with verbatim github repository link, if available) and contact details of two referees,
- MSc degree transcript listing courses and grades,
- (Draft of) MSc thesis.
Only applications received no later than
20-02-2026 can be considered. The selection procedure will take place in February/March 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.