Research Engineer (f/m/d) | Statistical 3D Model of Quadrupeds

Max Planck Society; Tübingen; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 90.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

The Max Planck Society's Optics and Sensing Laboratory in Tübingen invites applications for a Research Engineer (f/m/d) focused on statistical 3D models of quadrupeds. You will contribute to developing realistic horse motion capture models from partial scans and work with international collaborators.

The role requires expertise in 3D parametric models, computer vision, and deep learning, with strong Python/C++ skills and proficiency in PyTorch and OpenCV.

Qualifikationen

• Experience with 3D parametric body models (SMPL/MANO/ATLAS).
• Experience in computational geometry, computer vision and deep learning.
• Publications in these fields are an advantage.
• Good programming skills in Python or C++; PyTorch experience.
• Ability to work independently in dynamic environments.
• Experience with OpenCV, point-cloud libraries, and 3D rendering pipelines.
• Strong English communication skills.
• MSc or equivalent degree is required.
• Production-level code experience is a plus.

Aufgaben

• Investigate, implement and evaluate model improvements (skeleton/pose variations).
• Develop model evaluation procedures with quantitative and qualitative metrics.
• Develop MV-P pipelines, including mesh recovery models.
• Enhance the process for retraining and continuous learning.
• Improve registration of 3D templates to clean scans.
• Project management: define and evaluate steps and directions.

Kenntnisse

3D parametric models

Computational geometry

Computer vision

Deep learning

Python

C++

PyTorch

Project management

English skills

Ausbildung

Master's degree

Tools

OpenCV

3D rendering

Jobbeschreibung

Scientist Tübingen

Computer Science

Job Code: Tü_118

Job Offer from July 30, 2026

The Optics and Sensing Laboratory at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Tübingen has an open position for a Research Engineer (f/m/d) for Statistical 3D Models of Quadrupeds to join the ongoing research efforts in the development of statistical 3D models of Quadrupeds.

About Us

We are creating the world’s most realistic human and animal avatars for use in research, film, virtual reality, biology and medicine. Using unique 3D & 4D capture facilities, machine learning, computer vision and advanced graphics, we are modeling every nuance of how humans and animals look and move. We develop algorithms to estimate human shape and motion in images, videos, RGB-D sequences, etc. Our approaches define the current state of the art, and we are constantly pushing these methods and systems in order to achieve better accuracy and greater usability.

The project

Horses are one of the most beloved animals. They are beautiful in shape and motion; they have been used for carrying people and goods, for helping in farming, for racing, and also for therapy. We are interested in capturing horse motion from motion capture data to build markerless motion capture systems for horses. We are collaborating with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and IMATI-CNR in developing a system for the markerless motion capture of horses. Our approach is based on creating a highly realistic 3D articulated model of horses from data. To this goal, we need to capture partial 3D scans of real animals and register them to a predefined horse template. Doing this enables us to model the shape of real horses and the shape variability across a range of individuals with different characteristics. In this research context, we are looking for a talented research engineer to pursue the project.

Roles and responsibilities

• Investigation, implementation and evaluation of potential model improvements, for example: skeleton/joint paradigms, shape space encoding variations, pose-dependent deformations, etc.
• Conceptualization and development of model evaluation procedures, including quantitative and qualitative metrics.
• Development of various Minimum-Viable-Product pipelines, including image/video mesh recovery models and use-case applications (e.g. body conformation scoring from model outputs).
• Enhancement of the process for retraining and establishing a continuous learning pipeline.
• Improvement of established robust method for registering 3D parametric model templates to cleaned 3D scans.
• Project management: definition and evaluation of project steps and directions.

Education and experience

• Experience with 3D parametric body models (i.e. SMPL/MANO/ATLAS/VAREN/etc.)
• Experience in Computational Geometry, Computer Vision and Deep Learning
• Accepted publications in one of these fields are a big advantage
• Good programming skills in Python or C++; PyTorch (or similar) experience
• Project management experience and the ability to work independently in dynamic environments
• Experience in one or more of the following: Point-cloud libraries, OpenCV, 3D rendering pipelines and deep-learning frameworks
• Good oral and written communication skills in English
• Enjoyment of collaborative work and multidisciplinary projects
• A minimum of a Master’s degree is required
• Experience writing production-level code is a plus

Our offer

In this working environment, you will be exposed to cutting-edge technologies related to computer vision and multi-sensor systems. The MPI for Intelligent Systems is one of the world's leading research institutions for machine learning, computer vision and robotics, and studying the concepts of intelligence and autonomous behavior in artificial systems at different length scales. The position is ideally suited for candidates looking to extend their scientific and cultural horizons, particularly in the area of 3D Motion Capture. You will be a part of a dynamic team of international scientists, engineers, and administrative staff.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in its workforce in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

The position is available as of now and will be open until filled or no longer needed.

Contact

Keiko Kitagawa: [e-mail]

Dr. Senya Polikovsky: [e-mail]

Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems

Keiko Kitagawa

Max-Planck-Ring 4

72076 Tübingen

Germany

Closing date for applications

The posting is open until filled or no longer needed.