PhD Position: Super-resolution techniques to enhance low-resolution metering and inspection data (FOURIER DC 5)

<1 week left

Full-time

Research and Instruction

The Chair for Monitoring of Large-scale Structures at the University of Freiburg, Department of Sustainable Systems Engineering offers one doctoral fellowship in the pan-European doctoral network FOURIER funded under the EU’s MSCA Doctoral Networks. PhD Position: Super-resolution techniques to enhance low-resolution metering and inspection data (FOURIER DC 5)

Application deadline: 31. March 2025
Publication date: 20. December 2024
Start-date: 1. September 2025
Scope of work: Fulltime position
Id no.: 00004119

Description

The research and development objectives of the Chair of "Monitoring of Large-scale Structures” at the Institute for Sustainable Systems Engineering (INATECH) are divided into three main areas: inspection, data analysis and interpretation, and the implementation of complete system chains. Close collaboration is conducted with the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques (IPM) in all three areas. The focus is on methodological development and implementation in the form of processes and software.

The offered PhD position is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) Network ‘Innovative artificial intelligence methodologies for monitoring and maintaining large scale complex infrastructures and obtaining greener, more resilient, and smart societies’ (FOURIER). FOURIER aims to develop innovative techniques for monitoring the state of complex engineering systems using artificial intelligence. FOURIER's main objectives are:

Establish a network of individual research projects focused on advanced infrastructure monitoring techniques using AI.
Develop methods for large-scale autonomous monitoring, inspection, and proactive testing of complex engineering systems.
Improve the resilience of infrastructures against failures, accidents, sabotage, and disasters.
Offer innovative research training and knowledge exchange opportunities for doctoral students through cross-border and intersectoral mobility.

The consortium includes partners from seven European countries, making it an interdisciplinary and intersectoral program. FOURIER offers training-through-research within a uniquely structured doctoral program imparting academic and complementary professional skills. A multifaceted scholarly training is provided jointly by nine academic partners. Moreover, doctoral candidates will learn how to develop and communicate academic solutions via temporary secondments to Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institute, EMI; Politecnico di Torino and EE Infratec GmbH.

Goal of the PhD Thesis is the development of super-resolution techniques to enhance low-resolution metering and inspection data. The quality of monitoring data is an important parameter that profoundly impacts the accuracy of AI-based defect detection algorithms. In the case of visual inspections using drones together with open source spatial and semantic data (e.g., OpenStreetMap, satellite data), the image and video quality is often compromised. This research will exploit the latest AI-based multi time-series data and video data super-resolution imaging techniques to reconstruct high-resolution multi time series, pictures, and videos from the original low-resolution inputs. This will allow to maximize information gain and to minimize uncertainty, reducing the need of high-resolution camera and sensor devices. The goal of this task is an AI asset classification and information extraction capability that will focus on mechanical health status, degradation and failure identification, damage effects of malicious events (e.g. impact, drone-delivered damage). The techniques will be developed for buildings and (virtual) green infrastructure subsystems and will also be validated on the data provided by the partners and municipalities of the case studies.

What you should bring:

Completed university degree (Master's or Diploma) in computer sciences, physics, geodesy or a comparable field
Theoretical and applied knowledge or interest in machine learning, time series analysis, structural health monitoring.
You must not have lived or worked in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to their date of recruitment, excluding short stays such as holidays (MSCA-DN Mobility Rules)
A high degree of initiative, personal responsibility, and willingness to engage in interdisciplinary subjects
Excellent English language skills
Knowledge of German is desirable

Our Offer:

We offer an exciting research field, excellent facilities, and intensive supervision, embedded in a dynamic and highly motivated team (University and Fraunhofer IPM). Freiburg not only offers a high quality of life but also scientific development opportunities at a very high level and with corresponding reputation. The PhD program includes three five-month secondments to Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institute, EMI; Politecnico di Torino and EE Infratec GmbH.

Please apply with the following documents:

International identification document (passport for extra-European candidates)
Updated CV including relevant professional and academic experience.
MSc certificate or Authenticated Master's degree diploma (if obtained outside the EU). Translations into English or German if the original document is not issued in one of these languages. Copies of originals must be certified.
Declaration of not having completed any other PhD program.
Research statement with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 1 page)
English language certificate
Master’s Thesis and scientific publications.

The position is limited to three years. The monthly employer gross salary includes 3342,20 € per month Living Allowance, 600 € Mobility Allowance and 660 € per month Family Allowance (if applicable). Please note that all compulsory national contributions (social security, pension, insurances, taxes etc.) to be borne by the employer and employee shall be deducted from the abovementioned amount in line with MSCA rules. We particularly welcome applications from women for this position.

University of Freiburg is engaged to ensure an Open, Transparent, Merit-based Recruitment, in line with the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

The composition of the selection committee will respect the rules of parity both in gender and in academic/industrial participation.

The selection process for doctoral candidates involves several stages to ensure a comprehensive and fair assessment. After an initial analysis, the three most promising candidates are invited for interviews with the evaluation committee. This allows for a more in-depth assessment of their profiles and potential. Following the interviews, the advisor analyzes the candidates and provides their opinion on acceptance, considering compatibility with the research line and potential for guidance. The organization then conducts a final assessment of the selected candidate, verifying administrative and institutional aspects to confirm acceptance. The process concludes with signing a contract, which formalizes the relationship between the successful candidate and the institution. This contract establishes the rights and duties of both parties. Through this structured approach, the selection process aims to guarantee a thorough evaluation of candidates and ensure that the most suitable profile is chosen for the doctoral program.

The selected candidates should ideally begin their PhD enrolment/employment in mid of 2025.

The position is limited to 31. August 2028.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

Application

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004119, by 31. March 2025 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg INATECH Monitoring fpr large-scale structure Georges-Köhler-Allee 10 79110 Freiburg

For further information, please contact Herr Prof. Dr. Alexander Reiterer on the phone number +49 761 0761-8857-183 or E-Mail alexander.reiterer@inatech.uni-freiburg.de.