PhD fellowship in Computer Science

Job portalAll vacanciesPhD fellowship in Computer SciencePhD Project in Data Science and Geometric Models of Morphology and computer vision for detection and segmentation in plant imagesDepartment of Computer ScienceFaculty of SCIENCEUniversity of CopenhagenThe department of computer science (DIKU), Pioneer AI section invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in data science and geometric models for morphological data and computer vision for detection and segmentation in plant images. The PhD project will be part of the research projects DIGIFABA and MorphAI.Start date is expected to be March or as soon as possible thereafter.The projectIn the DIGIFABA project, we will develop methodology to study the growth of faba bean plants with the aim of enhancing breeding and increasing yield stability. An integral part of this consists of creating new computer vision methodology for robust detection and segmentation of leaves, flowers and pods from field images. We will enable this using modern ML based segmentation paradigms that will be targeted to streams of in-field images. To achieve stable result in the presence of high variation in the field images, we will develop novel detection and segmentation techniques and evaluation metrics.The morphAI project aims to create the methodological foundation for using modern AI and data science techniques for modeling morphological variation. Part of this is to model shape variation in a mathematically rigorous way, particularly focused on the geometry of shape spaces. We will investigate mathematical, statistical and ML models for morphological data. We focus on the intersection between diffeomorphic models of shapes, related geometric theory, and statistics and machine learning, e.g. generative models.Who are we looking for?We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of mathematics, statistics, computer science or related fields. Applications must have a strong mathematical background and strong ML/AI background; be able to efficiently implement models in computer code (using e.g. Python and Jax/pyTorch); be ambitious, self-driven, and able to execute; and be good colleagues being able to work on collaborative projects in the research group.Our group and research- and what do we offer?You will be part of a world-leading research group specializing in analysis and AI applied to various aspects of shape data, in these cases in biology and plant science. The group hosts multiple junior researchers (PhDs and postdocs), and master students. We offer an exciting research environment where you will get the chance to apply mathematical and computational tools to solve important theoretical, methodological, and applied problems, and thereby create the mathematical and machine learning foundation for analysis of morphological information.Physically, the group is located at the Observatory in the botanical garden in Copenhagen, in connection with the Pioneer center for Artificial Intelligence. Physical presence at the workplace is expected.The group is a part of department of Computer Science, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environmentPrincipal supervisor is Professor Stefan Sommer, DIKU, E-mail: , Direct Phone: The PhD programmeDepending of your level of education, you can undertake the PhD programme as either:Option A: Athree year full-time studywithin the framework ofthe regular PhD programme(5+3 scheme),if you alreadyhave an educationequivalent to a relevant Danish master's degree.Option B: An upto five year full-time study programmewithin the framework of theintegrated MSc and PhDprogramme(the 3+5 scheme), if you do not have an educationequivalent to a relevant Danish master´s degree– but youhavean educationequivalent to a Danish bachelors´s degree.Option A: Getting into a position on the regular PhD programmeQualifications Needed For The Regular ProgrammeTo be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master's degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. mathematics, statistics or computer science. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.Terms of employment in the regular programmeEmployment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.Option B: Getting into a position on the integrated MSc and PhD programmeQualifications Needed For The Integrated MSc And PhD ProgrammeIf you do not have an educationequivalent to a relevant Danish master´s degree, you might be qualified for the integrated MSc and PhD programme, if you have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish bachelor´s degree. Here you can find out, if that is relevant for you: General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.Terms of the integrated programmeTo be eligible for the integrated scholarship, you are (or are eligible to be) enrolled at one of the faculty's master programmes in computer science.Students on the integrated programme will enroll as PhD students simultaneously with completing their enrollment in this MSc degree programme.The duration of the integrated programme is up to five years, and depends on the amount of credits that you have passed on your MSc programme. For further information about the study programme, please see: , "Study Structures".Untilthe MSc degree is obtained, (when exactly two years of the full 3+5 programme remains), the grant will be paid partly in the form of 48 state education grant portions (in Danish: "SU-klip") plus salary for work (teaching, supervision etc.) totalling a workload of 150 working hours per year.A PhD grant portion is currently DKK 7.047 before tax.Whenyou have obtained the MSc degree, you will transfer to the salary-earning part of the scholarship for a period of two years. At that point, the terms of employment and payment will be according to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.Responsibilitiesand tasks in both PhD programmesComplete and pass the MSc education in accordance with the curriculum of the MSc programme(ONLY when you are attending the integrated MSc and PhD programme)Carry through an independent research project under supervisionComplete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTEParticipate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroadTeaching and knowledge dissemination activitiesWrite scientific papers aimed at high-impact journalsWrite and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your projectWe Are Looking For The Following QualificationsStrong mathematical background and ML/AI backgroundStrong implementation (coding) abilitiesStrong drive and ability to execute and get the job doneProfessional qualifications relevant to the PhD projectRelevant publicationsRelevant work experienceOther relevant professional activitiesGood language skillsApplication and Assessment ProcedureYour application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.Please IncludeMotivated letter of application (max. one page)Your motivation for applying for the specific PhD projectCurriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the positionOriginal diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.Publication list (if possible)Reference letters (if available)Application DeadlineThe deadline for applications is 8 December 2025, 23:59 GMT +1.We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.The further processAfter deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 4-2026QuestionsFor specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School's website: The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.APPLY NOWPart of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe's top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.ContactStefan SommerE-mail: InfoApplication deadline: Working hours:Full timeDepartment/Location:Department of Computer Science" id="cookiefilter-placeholder-1">Content not available due to cookie preferencesYou cannot see the content of this field because of your cookie preferences.Click here to change your cookie settings.Category: MarketingSearch all vacancies