PhD Scholarship in Highly Motivated Candidate on The Perception of Light and Color in Virtual Reality

Project

Understanding and predicting the perception and appearance of light and color in realistic scenes is one of the ultimate goals of color science. Advances in virtual reality provide the opportunity to use highly realistic stimuli in an unprecedentedly controlled way, making it a promising innovative, efficient and economical research tool with potentially groundbreaking consequences for the study, understanding and prediction of perception of realistic scenes. However, current knowledge and understanding of how (well) color perception in virtual reality corresponds to that in actual reality is limited. This project aims to experimentally characterize and compare major, not yet fully understood, aspects of color perception (chromatic adaptation, simultaneous contrast and spatial effects) in actual and virtual reality to deepen our understanding of these fundamental processes and to establish mathematical models to predict perception in real and virtual environments.

The work will involve among others continuous literature and technology review, setting up experiment setups in real and virtual environments (3D renderings presented on head-mounted displays), performing psychophysical experiments, programming, statistical analysis of results, color appearance (mathematical) modelling, presenting results and conclusions at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journal publications. 

Profile

We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated, well-organized and detail oriented candidate with a degree in Master of Science, Master of Computer Science, Master of Engineering, Master of Engineering Technology or related, with strong computer science (programming: Python, C, C++, ...; 3-modeling & rendering: Unity3d, Unreal Engine, Physical-based-rendering, ...) and analytical / mathematical skills, and with a strong interest in lighting, visual perception, optical measurements and virtual reality. In addition to a scientific research attitude and the ability to work autonomously and as part of a team, well-developed written and oral communication skills in English are also required. Experience in one or more of the following are a plus: virtual reality, computer graphics, rendering, 3D modeling, mathematical modelling and visual perception research. The start of the PhD is subject to an academic approval of the candidate. Proposed start date of October 1st, 2022 is negotiable.

Offer

We offer a fulltime paid PhD position for 1 year, starting as soon as possible. After positive evaluation, the PhD position will be extended for up to 4 years. Applications should be submitted through KU Leuven’s online platform. (Don't forget to include a motivation letter and your BSc and Msc transcripts when submitting your resume!)

Interested?

Vul contactpersonen aan in stap 1 "Context vacature" en hergenereer deze tekst.

In your application, please refer to Polytechnicpositions.com