The Perceiving Systems Department, headed by Michael J. Black (formerly of Brown University), pursues basic research in computer vision including

• Motion estimation: optical flow, layered models, scene flow.
• Scene modeling: image statistics, material properties, learning.
• Articulated tracking: 2D & 3D human and animal pose estimation.
• Body shape estimation: 2D & 3D body models, dynamics, clothing, hair.
• Internet/mobile vision: social, collaborative, interactive applications.
• Computational neuroscience: neural coding and models of motion perception.

Outstanding candidates in all areas of computer vision will be considered but special emphasis will be given to candidates with experience in modeling and estimating human and animal shape including 3D mesh models, statistical shape modeling, 3D vision, articulated pose estimation, and non-rigid models of clothing, hair and fur. While our focus is basic research, we also pursue commercial applications and applications in neuroscience.

The Institute studies perception, action and learning from molecules to machines and has research centers in Tübingen and Stuttgart. The Perceiving Systems Department is located in Tübingen together with the Empirical Inference Department of Prof. Bernhard Schölkopf, the robotics research of Prof. Stefan Schaal and the renowned MPI for Biological Cybernetics. The Max Planck Institutes in Tübingen represent an exceptional research environment in which scientists from a wide range of fields including computer vision, machine learning, robotics, neuroscience, and cognitive science collaborate. A full range of state-of-the-art equipment will be available, including novel 3D and 4D scanning systems, multi-camera video capture, and a large compute cluster.

Only candidates with a sustained history of significant publication in vision, graphics, and learning are encouraged to apply. A PhD in computer science or a related field is required. The working language is English and strong written and spoken English is necessary. Tübingen is a beautiful and lively medieval town with a large university population. Located in southern Germany, at the edge of the Swabian Jura, the surrounding country is characterized by rolling hills, forests, river valleys, historic towns, and extensive walking and biking trails. The quality of life is excellent.

The initial appointment will be for 2 years, in accordance with the German salary standards (TVöD), and is renewable. The target starting date is as soon as possible but is flexible.

The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer; women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applications in English, including a statement of research experience and interests, a curriculum vita listing publications, and contact details of at least two referees, should be sent in PDF form to: Melanie Feldhofer, melanie.feldhofer@is.mpg.de.

More information about our institute can be found at http://is.mpg.de. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

If you prefer to send a hardcopy application, you may do so.  Please address it to Melanie Feldhofer at the address listed on our CONTACT page.