Junior Researcher position in computer graphics (with optional Ph.D.)

We are seeking a motivated and creative individual for the EU project “Distributed 3D Object Design” (DISTRO, http://www.distro-itn.eu/). Candidates should hold a Master’s degree in either Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics and have a solid background in computer graphics. Excellent programming skills and fluent English are essential.

The position can be associated with a Ph.D. degree at Charles University, Prague, but this is not a necessity. You may apply even if you are already a Ph.D. candidate elsewhere - we can establish a collaboration with your current advisor. Working language is English, there’s no need for the candidate to speak Czech. Start date is as soon as possible.

Tasks

  • Conduct research in the field of Computer Graphics, mainly on the topic of Material appearance and its representation. This includes the research work itself, and also writing scientific publications and attending scientific & industrial conferences.
  • Collaboration with DISTRO project partners, and frequent visits to the renowned labs and companies that make up the project consortium.
  • Participation in the annual network events across Europe.

We offer

We offer a dream job for any junior research in computer graphics ;-). Here is what the package comprises:
  • A fully paid junior researcher position for 24 months (paid by the EU). Pay according to standardised EU rules, which leads to a net salary of about 51,000 CZK (approx. 1,900 EUR) monthly. This is double the national average salary in the Czech Republic, and allows for a very comfortable lifestyle in Prague: see http://lp.expats.cz/prague-relocation/ for some local price references. For applicants with a family, there is an additional yearly net allowance of 3,000 EUR.
  • Optional (but not mandatory) Ph.D. track at Charles University.
  • Possibility to later extend the time in Prague by one more year or longer (paid by national funding).
  • Become member of the computer graphics research group at Charles University, which is among the world leaders in the field of computer graphics.
  • Possibility to collaborate with world-renowned computer graphics labs such at Disney Research Zurich / ETH Zurich, University College London, Max-Planck Institut Informatik, DFKI, IST Austria and others.
  • Tight integration into a group of 15 Ph.D. students working on the DISTRO project across Europe.
  • Paid trips to conferences, summer schools and other training events, in accordance with candidate’s actual interests.
  • Additional training in complementary skills such as research management, presentation skills, languages etc.
  • Work in the historic centre of old-town Prague.

We require

  • Master’s degree in either Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics
  • Excellent programming skills
  • Solid background in computer graphics
  • Fluent communication skills in English
  • Research experience is not a must, but it is a definite advantage

How to apply

Applications should be submitted to Eva Šauerová (sauerova@iuuk.mff.cuni.cz) via e-mail with the quote “DISTRO application” in the subject line. The following information has to be attached in a separate PDF file(s):
  • A full structured CV with a list of publications and/or projects;
  • Evidence, such as a scan of the diploma, of having obtained a masters’ or equivalent degree;
  • An official transcript of grades obtained during the applicant’s bachelor and master studies;
  • A personal statement (up to 2 pages) about the applicant’s experience, interests and career goals;
  • Names and contact information of three people who could write a letter of recommendation.

Eligibility criteria

The following rules are mandated by the EU for the offered position:
  • Mobility criterion: You must not have lived or worked in the Czech Republic for more than 12 months during the last 3 years prior to the start date.
  • Any prior research experience (both in industry or academia) may not be longer than 4 years full-time equivalent.
  • You must not have already completed any Ph.D. studies elsewhere. Ongoing Ph.D. studies at another university are perfectly ok, but as soon as you have graduated, you are no longer eligible.

Information about Charles University and the DISTRO project

The School of Computer Science of Charles University (CUNI) is a leading Computer Science research institution in the Czech Republic: it has consistently been awarded the highest research rating in national science rankings, and its Graphics Group is among the world leaders in the area of realistic, physically-based rendering.

DISTRO is an already running Innovative Training Network (ITN) focused on the capture, editing, and fabrication of 3D objects - from the real world to digital and back again. The project goal is to enable users to casually capture 3D objects, which can then be easily shared on the Web, customised in simple ways, and physically replicated elsewhere. The research topics tackled within the project include geometry and material appearance capture, modeling, and representation, as well as collaborative editing, rendering, and physical fabrication of 3D objects.

This exciting collaborative project is coordinated by University College London (UK), and the academic partners include some of the most renowned research institutions in Europe: ETH Zurich (CH), DFKI (DE), MPI Informatik (DE), Saarland University (DE), IST Austria (AT), Napier University (UK) as well as Charles University in Prague (CZ).

There are also numerous industry partners involved in the project: Studio Gobo Ltd (UK), NVIDIA Research (US/FI), Disney Research (US/CH/UK), The Foundry (UK), Allegorithmic (FR), and Evolute (AT).