Overview

Are you looking for a new professional challenge?
Then ZIB is the place to be!
Become part of our international team!

23 March 2023
The Zuse Institute Berlin (ZIB) is a non-university research institute under public law of the state of Berlin. We conduct research and development in applied mathematics and computer science as well as the analysis and processing of complex data in conjunction with high-performance computing.
For the Computational Diagnosis and Therapy research group, which is part of the department Visual and Data-centric Computing, we offer a
Research Position (f/m/d)
Reference Code: WA 13/23
Pay Grade: E 13 / E 14 TV-L Berlin (100 %).

With an opportunity to start at the earliest possible date, this vacancy offered is a fixed-term contract until 31 December 2024 (end of project) with the option of extension.

Background
In an interdisciplinary research project, funded within the DFG SPP «The Active Self», we are investigating the ability of humans to cognitively control resonance in social relationships based on verbal and non-verbal communication. Together with psychologists and cognitive scientists, we are designing and developing new experimental methods to explore how the similarity between interaction partners impacts social phenomena like mimicry. These experiments are based on avatar-mediated video commu-nication with real-time manipulation of various parameters of the interaction, including an avatar’s facial appearance and behavior.
Your tasks
With the possibility of using and further developing our 3D statistical face model – the Facial Expression Morphable Model – and our experimental frameworks for online and in-lab studies, your tasks will be (1) to improve the animation realism in facial avatars by modeling verbal and non-verbal movements or other facial features independently, (2) to generate individualized avatars by fitting a morphable 3D face model to individual portrait photos, and (3) to realize real-time control of the facial features and movements of the avatars during online or lab experiments. The improvements are to be integrated into experimental frameworks such that they can be easily used by psychologists.
Your profile
Master’s degree or PhD in computer science or a related field;
strong interest in geometry processing, 3D facial modeling, and facial animation;
preferably knowledge in creation and usage of 3D statistical face models, digital morpha
a big plus is experience in computer graphics, real-time rendering, and development of games e.g., in Unity 3D, as well as experience with web technologies (Javascript, Typescript, WebGL);
strong interest in interdisciplinary, experimentally driven research;
ideally experience with psychological research, especially face perception and social interaction;
good communication skills in English.ometry, or related fields;

We expect excellent communication and teamwork skills, a high level of independence and commitment, as well as the competence and willingness to write scientific publications on an international level.
We are offering a friendly working atmosphere with flexible work and meeting times, excellent equipment, and a challenging professional environment
as well as
comprehensive training in a competent and cooperative team,
an additional pension scheme (VBL),
30 days annual leave, flexible working hours (flexitime),
a salary in accordance with TV-L (Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federal States), considering the relevant professional experience,
an end-of-year bonus,
discounted public transport (BVG) ticket as part of the capital city allowance,
and the use of canteens and sports programs of the Freie Universität Berlin (FUB) at reduced rates.

Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply. Since women are underrepresented in information technology, the ZIB is trying to increase the proportion of women in this research area.
Applicants with disabilities will be preferred as long as equally qualified.
Please send your application, quoting the reference code WA 13/23 , including a cover letter, a CV and further meaningful documents as one PDF file to jobs@zib.de by 30 April 2023 (date of receipt).
Our private policy statement regarding application data is available at www.zib.de/impressum .
For further information about this vacancy, please refer to our website www.zib.de or contact Dr. Stefan Zachow ( zachow@zib.de ).
For further job offers please visit our website at www.zib.de .

Apply now