PhD scholarship in 3D Vision and Spatial AI - DTU Compute

DTU Compute and the Pioneer Centre for Artificial Intelligence are excited to offer a PhD position for a talented and motivated student to join our lab at DTU led by Theodora Kontogianni. Our research explores how intelligent systems can perceive, understand, and interact with the 3D world. We develop new methods in computer vision, machine learning, and multimodal 3D representations to tackle real-world challenges—spanning applications from autonomous systems and interactive AI assistants to next-generation AR/VR and digital health technologies.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated student to contribute to cutting-edge research at the forefront of Spatial AI, collaborate with leading international researchers, and gain visibility in global academic and industrial networks.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The primary goal of this position is to push the boundaries of computer vision and robotics. The overarching mission of our newly established research lab is to develop autonomous systems that enhance human capabilities across a wide range of impactful applications, from everyday tasks to industry and healthcare. The group’s main focus is advancing perception for robot learning, aiming to create systems that can understand their surroundings and perform a broad range of tasks.

We are particularly interested in candidates who want to explore one or more of the following research areas: multi-modal input, continual learning, and adaptive methods for task planning and execution in real-world environments with autonomous agents. You will be a vital part of the Visual Computing Section, supervised by Theodora Kontogianni. Collaboration with academic partners, locally and internationally, will be a part of the role.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Conducting research and developing 3D vision algorithms for object detection, recognition, and scene understanding to support planning and task execution in dynamic environments.
• Publishing research findings in leading international conferences and journals.
• Assisting in the supervision of MSc and BSc student projects in related fields.
• Managing your own academic research and administrative duties, including small-scale project management, to ensure various tasks meet deadlines.
• Contributing innovative ideas for new research projects.

Selection Criteria

• A two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree in mathematics, physics, computer science, electrical engineering or closely related fields with a focus on computer vision, machine learning or robotics
• A strong background in computer vision, and machine learning.
• Prior experience in 3D vision or related fields such as 3D reconstruction
• Proven software and debugging skills in Python and/or C++
• Experience with learning frameworks such as PyTorch
• Experience in Linux and development tools such as git, conda, or docker
• Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work on interdisciplinary teams
• Publication record is highly desired

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment 
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education. 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Theodora Kontogianni.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is 1 January 2026 or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
For more information, please contact Assistant Professor Theodora Kontogianni (thekon@dtu.dk) or Head of Section, Professor Anders Bjorholm Dahl (abda@dtu.dk).

You can read more about DTU Compute at DTU Compute -Visual Computing and previous research on Personal Page and Google Scholar.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 22 October 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Name up to 2 people who may be contacted to provide reference letter (e.g. master thesis supervisor)

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Compute
DTU Compute – Department of Mathematics and Computer Science – is an internationally recognised academic environment with over 400 employees and 10 research sections. We broadly cover digital technologies within mathematics, data science, computer science, and computer engineering, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, internet of things (IoT), chip design, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, social networks, fairness, and data ethics. Our research is rooted in basic research and centres on mathematical models of the physical and virtual world, as a basis for the analysis, design, and implementation of complex systems. We focus on ensuring that our research results contribute to creating a better society by supporting areas such as health, green transition, energy supply, and life science. We collaborate with universities, public and private organisations, and companies in Denmark and abroad, and through DTU’s startup ecosystem, we encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. We have a strong ethical, human, and sustainable approach that ensures integrity in our work. Therefore, we strive for and take responsibility for driving the democratisation of digital technologies, so that everyone has the opportunity to actively participate in the development, and we ensure a continued open, democratic, and inclusive society for the benefit of all. At DTU Compute, we value diversity, inclusion, and a flexible work-life balance. Read more about us at www.compute.dtu.dk.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.