Postdoctoral position in Computerized Image Processing and Deep Neural Networks - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Information Technology has approximately 300 employees and conducts research and education in a spectrum of areas within Computer Science and Information Technology. The research is organized in five Divisions, and the research at the Division of Visual Information and Interaction is a unique combination of expertise in computerized image analysis and human-computer interaction. More information about the department and its activities can be found at www.it.uu.se.

Duties/Project description: The title of the project is “Misclassification and out-of-distribution sample detection and handling in biomedical deep learning classification problems”, and is part of the strategic research area effort eSSENCE´s PostDoc-program towards new e-science methods and tools for artificial intelligence in research. The project aims at developing methods and strategies in machine learning and deep neural networks to improve the detection and handling of encountered outliers or new previously unknown cases or classes at inference.

In machine learning, problems are often described as either supervised or unsupervised. However, in many practical scenarios, the classification problem is something in between. Classifiers tend to fail when employed in real-world tasks and exposed to out-of-distribution samples (OODs), i.e. instances unlike those in the training set. These samples are silently “forced” to be classified as one of the known classes, often with high confidence, even though it would be much better if the algorithm could identify them as uncertain or outliers, outside the algorithm’s capacity. This silent failing to 1) recognize OODs and new classes, and 2) admit lack of competence can substantially limit Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption and acceptance in many applications. In this project, different types of microscopy images will primarily be used. Access to images, micrscopes and application experts will available through collaboration with Vironova AB and Uppsala Academic Hospital.

The position is focused on research in the above described research project but may include up to 20% of teaching and other institutional duties.

Requirements: To qualify for an employment as a postdoctor you must have a PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in image informatics, computer science or related areas relevant to the project topic, combined with documented experience of algorithm development and programming. The PhD degree must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the application deadline. The three year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

A strong mathematical background and expertise in digital image processing/analysis, machine learning and deep learning are required. Good communication skills in English, both spoken and written, are required.

Additional qualifications: The postdoc position is highly interdisciplinary and an understanding and/or interest and/or experience in life science and microscopy imaging applications is meriting.

How to apply: The application should include a letter describing the applicant’s motivation for applying for this postdoc, relevant qualifications and research interests. The application should also include a CV, copies of PhD exam and other relevant degrees and grades, link to electronic version of PhD thesis and publications, and contact information to two reference persons. We would also like to know the earliest possible date for starting. Please note that applications can only be accepted via the web interface linked below.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Working in Sweden: The quality of life in Sweden is high, and Swedes in general speak good English. The Swedish working climate emphasizes an open atmosphere, with active discussions involving both junior and senior staff. Researchers are full employees, with standard salaries and at least five weeks of paid vacation. Healthcare is free after a small co-pay. The parental benefits in Sweden are among the best in the world, including extensive parental leave (for both parents), paid time off to care for sick children, and affordable day care. You will find more information about working and living in Sweden at http://www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact the International Faculty and Staff Services at mailto: ifss@uadm.uu.se.

Salary: Individual salary.

Starting date: 01-04-2020 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position for 2 years, according to central collective agreement.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Associate Professor Ida-Maria Sintorn, +46 (0)76 1090195, ida.sintorn@it.uu.se.

Please submit your application by March 6, 2020, UFV-PA 2020/573.