Job description
The Data Management and Biometrics (DMB) group at the University of Twente is seeking one PhD candidate to join the research team of Dr. Nicola Strisciuglio to work on compositional learning for data-efficient vision foundation models.
About the project
Foundation models in computer vision currently rely on massive datasets and brute-force scaling. This leads to high data requirements, hidden biases, limited accessibility, and dependency on corporate-controlled resources. The project aims to develop data-efficient and reliable training strategies for vision foundation models, reducing the need for large datasets and improving robustness.
The project will explore strategies related to 1) Object-attribute compositionality to replace exhaustive data requirements with structured concept learning, 2) Bias detection and machine unlearning to identify and mitigate bias and shortcuts early in training, and 3) Perceptual and conceptual priors to design self-supervised objectives that capture continuous similarity rather than binary contrastive notions.
By embedding compositional structure and prior knowledge into the training process, the project aims to break the dependency on uncontrolled large-scale datasets and enable broader, more transparent development of vision foundation models.
About the PhD position
We offer one fully funded 4-years PhD position, in the context of the project described above, with specific focus on the topic of Compositional Learning for Vision Foundation Models. The aim will be to explore compositional learning strategies (e.g. attribute-object visual representation, or other forms) to reduce the data requirements to train vision foundation models.
When applying, you are required to clearly motivate why you are a good fit for this position and how your expertise and previous experience match the position topic.
Your profile
- You have (or will shortly acquire) a master’s degree in the field of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Mathematics with a major in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or Computer Vision.
- Background in machine learning, particularly in computer vision, solid understanding of mathematics and excellent programming skills.
- An interest in research and developing creative solutions to advance compositional learning and data efficiency of Foundation Models for vision.
- A creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
- A good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.
- Proficiency in English.
- Previous experience in scientific publishing (at top venues like CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, ICLR, etc.) is appreciated.
Our offer
- A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home.
- Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
- You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.059,- (first year) to € 3.881,- (fourth year).
- There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
- A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
- Free access to sports facilities on campus.
- A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
- You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision, and a travel budget to attend conferences and scientific events.
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before July 21, 2026, and include:
- A Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages A4), including, if applicable, a list of publications and the contact details of two academic references.
- A cover letter (maximum 1 page A4), emphasising your specific qualifications and motivations to apply for this PhD position.
- An academic transcript with the list of all courses attended and grades you obtained.
- An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).
For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Dr. Nicola Strisciuglio ([email protected]).
The first round of interviews will be held during the second half of August 2026.
Screening is part of the selection process.
About the organisation
The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
