Postdoc in 3D Perception and Spatial Understanding - DTU Compute

DTU; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Compute and the Pioneer Centre for AI invite applications for a Postdoc to advance 3D perception and spatial understanding. The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research at DTU, exploring perception, reasoning, and intelligent systems across autonomous navigation and embodied AI.

The role emphasizes high-impact publications, mentoring students, and contributing to proposals while coordinating research activities within a vibrant international community.

Qualifications

• PhD in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, or closely related field with focus on computer vision, ML, or robotics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on 3D perception and spatial understanding, including scene recognition, spatial reasoning, and learning-based methods.
• Publish findings at top venues (CVPR/ICCV/ECCV/NeurIPS/ICML).
• Mentor and co-supervise PhD/MSc/BSc students in related areas.
• Contribute to research proposals and grant applications.
• Present research at international conferences and workshops.
• Manage own academic research and administrative duties, including project coordination and deadlines.

Skills

Python

C++

Deep learning

3D perception

Research leadership

Education

PhD in computer science / electrical engineering / mathematics (or related)

Tools

PyTorch

Linux

Git

Conda

Docker

Job description

Responsibilities and qualifications

DTU Compute and the Pioneer Centre for AI are excited to offer a Postdoc position for a talented and motivated researcher to join our lab at DTU led by Theodora Kontogianni. Our research focuses on solving real‑world challenges in 3D perception and spatial understanding, with applications spanning autonomous systems, augmented reality, and embodied AI. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to conduct independent research at the intersection of computer vision, artificial intelligence, and spatial reasoning while collaborating with top researchers and gaining exposure to global academic networks.

The primary goal of this position is to push the boundaries of 3D perception and spatial understanding. The overarching mission of our research lab is to develop intelligent systems that can perceive, interpret, and reason about 3D environments across a wide range of impactful applications. The group’s main focus is advancing spatial AI, aiming to create systems that can build rich representations of their surroundings and support downstream tasks such as navigation, interaction, and decision‑making.

• Conducting independent and collaborative research on 3D perception and spatial understanding, including scene recognition, spatial reasoning, and learning‑based methods for interpreting complex 3D environments.
• Publishing research findings in leading international conferences and journals (e.g., CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, NeurIPS, ICML).
• Mentoring and co‑supervising PhD, MSc, and BSc students in related research areas.
• Contributing to the development of research proposals and grant applications.
• Presenting research at international conferences and workshops.
• Managing your own academic research and administrative duties, including project coordination and ensuring deliverables meet deadlines.

Selection Criteria

• A PhD degree in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, or a closely related field with a focus on computer vision, machine learning, or robotics.
• A strong publication record in top‑tier computer vision and/or machine learning venues (e.g., CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, ICRA, WACV).
• A strong background in 3D perception and spatial understanding, including areas such as 3D scene understanding, spatial reasoning, point cloud processing, multi‑view learning, or neural scene representations.
• Proven software and debugging skills in Python and/or C++.
• Experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch.
• Experience in Linux and development tools such as git, conda, or docker.
• Ability to conduct independent research and lead collaborative projects.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work on interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience with embodied AI, augmented reality, or autonomous navigation is a plus.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

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 terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: https://www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures. Preferred starting date is 1 November 2026 or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full‑time position, and the period of employment is 2 years.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Theodora Kontogianni ([e-mail]).

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 31 August 2026 (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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications
• Names of 2–3 references who may be contacted

You may apply prior to obtaining your PhD degree but cannot begin before having received it. Applicants who have not yet completed their PhD must include a letter from their supervisor confirming the expected date of completion. 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.