The Faculty of Science and Technology at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant PhD–position related to computer vision in the aquaculture sector. The PhD position is for a period of 3 years, or up to 4 years if teaching and other work duties are agreed.
The research motivation associated with the aquaculture sector is characterized by two watchwords namely cheaper and sustainable. Therefore, understanding different fish behaviors in complicated water environment is important for sustainable aquaculture. Motion and the physical layout of the fishes present significant information to support a variety of functions including detection, tracking, prediction, and counting. The estimation of such information is the basis of scientific fisheries management and sustainable fish production. The project aims to investigate a robust and data-driven fish and scene understanding method for sustainable aquaculture.
We seek a PhD candidate who will consider data from multiple camera sensors and will perceive the full representation of the fishes. The traditional methods put stress on fishes that affects their health and welfare. These are the factors that could be avoided by sustainable aquaculture supported by the computer vision-based techniques. The goal is to evaluate fish biomass, identify fishes and their behaviors, and predict water quality parameters. The biomass information is a significantly important parameter often adopted to classify, feed, and estimate yield. The project will also facilitate continuous lice counting without handling the fish to provide trends and the ongoing development of the fish situation. Frequent analysis on average weight development would make it easier to follow growth and evaluate feeding strategy. The weight distribution will also provide early indication of diseases.
An application for a PhD position at NMBU is at the same time an application for admission to a PhD programme at the institution. The documentation that is necessary to ensure that the admission requirements are met must be uploaded as an attachment.
Main tasks
PhD main tasks:
- Develop novel deep learning models for understanding and improving sustainable aquaculture.
- Develop computer vision-based techniques for fish detection, tracking, and counting.
- Develop tailored models to perceive full representation of fishes, their physical layouts, and their behaviors.
- Write academic papers and present the work at international conferences.
The successful candidate is expected to enter a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree during the first months of the appointment, with a view to completing a doctorate within the PhD scholarship period.
Competence
The successful applicant must meet the conditions defined for admission to a PhD programme at NMBU. The applicant must have an academically relevant education corresponding to a five-year master’s degree or a cand.med.vet. degree, with a learning outcome corresponding to the descriptions in the Norwegian Qualification Framework, second cycle. Candidates submitting MSs thesis within 30. June 2022 may be considered. The applicant must have a documented strong academic background from previous studies and be able to document proficiency in both written and oral English. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see the PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description.
The applicant must document expertise and interest in the research subject.
Required Academic qualifications, MSc degree in one of the following disciplines or similar:
- Computer science
- Data science
- Mathematics
The following experiences and skills will be emphasized:
- Experience with developing deep learning models
- Experience with computer vision-based techniques
- Strong programming skills, especially Python, MATLAB, TensorFlow, PyTorch
- Experience with developing distributed deep learning models
- Experience with handling large scale multi-modality data
You need to:
- Have ability to work independently
- Have ability to work and cooperate in an interdisciplinary group
- Good communication and English skills
Remuneration and further information
The position is placed in government pay scale position code 1017.
PhD fellows are normally placed in pay grade 54 (NOK 491.200,-) on the Norwegian Government salary scale upon employment and follow ordinary meriting regulations.
Employment is conducted according to national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars.
You can send specific questions about the PhD position or the research project to Dr. Habib Ullah, Associate Professor, Department of Data Science and Department of Industrial Economics, by email habib.ullah@nmbu.no (do not use this e-mail for application, it is only for questions) Phone +47 67231482
Information for PhD applicants and general Information to applicants
Application
To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply for this job’ button above. This will route you to the University’s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
Application deadline: 31.05.2022
In the application, the candidate must confirm that information and documentation (in the form of attachments) submitted via the job application can also be used by NMBU in a possible admission process.
Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original diplomas and certificates.
The following documents must be attached to the application:
- Motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
- Complete CV
- Certified copies of academic diplomas and certificates. (i.e. Di-ploma, transcript. Diploma supplement for both bachelor and master). Diplomas, transcripts and diploma supplements that are not in Norwegian or English must be uploaded in the original language. An English translation of these documents must also be attached.
- Applicants from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a diploma supplement, or a similar document, which describes in detail the study program and grading system.
- Documentation of proficiency in written and oral English in accordance with NMBU PhD regulation section 5-2 (3).
- Names and contact details for two references
- Additional relevant documentation of professional knowledge (for example, list of scientific works). If it is difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution for publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.
About The Faculty of Science and Technology
The Faculty of Science and Technology (REALTEK) develops research-based knowledge and educates civil engineers and lecturers needed to reach the UN’s sustainability goals. We have approximately 150 employees, 70 PhD students and soon 1500 students. The education and research at REALTEK cover a broad spectrum of disciplines.
This includes data science, mechanics and process engineering, robotics, construction and architecture, industrial economics, environmental physics and renewable energy, geomatics, water and environmental engineering, applied mathematics as well as secondary school teacher education in natural sciences and use of natural resources such as in agriculture, forestry and aquaculture. The workplace is in Ås, 30 km from Oslo.
The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)
NMBU has a particular responsibility for research and education that secures the basis for the life of future generations. Sustainability is rooted in everything we do and we deliver knowledge for life. NMBU has 1,900 employees of which about 300 phd scholarships and 6,700 students. The university is divided into seven faculties.
NMBU believes that a good working environment is characterised by diversity.
We encourage qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender, functional ability, cultural background or whether you have been outside the labour market for a period. If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at www.nmbu.no.
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