PhD Position in Visual Computing and

PhD Position in Visual Computing and (Self-)calibration for XR devices
100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Computational Design Lab is an interdisciplinary research group at ETH Zurich, led by Prof. Dr. Bernd Bickel. We develop novel algorithms and next-generation computational systems for interactive design, geometry processing, spatial computing, creativeAI, and computational fabrication.

Project background

We are seeking a curious and motivated PhD student to join the Computational Design Lab and work at the interface of computer vision, computer graphics, hardware, and extended reality. The project is part of ETHAR, a new research initiative at ETH Zürich with a unique focus on advancing the field of Augmented Reality, supported by a Google donation. The project aims at developing new methods and systems for the calibration of extended reality (XR) devices. Your research will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Bernd Bickel and Prof. Dr. Marc Pollefeys.

Job description

• You will be entrusted with designing, developing, and evaluating methods, algorithms, and systems for a novel online calibration framework that leverages deep learning to intelligently fuse data from multiple sensors (IMU, cameras, eye-trackers)
• By training models on a high-fidelity digital twin and exploring neural methods that can infer key attributes including camera parameters from in-the-wild sensor data, you will create a system that continuously and invisibly adapts to physical perturbations and changing user context, eliminating the need for manual setup and enabling a truly seamless, intuitive, and intelligent XR experience
• You will be responsible for the typical scientific research workflow: motivating the problem, identifying the main methodological shortcomings in the literature, designing and developing novel systems, planning and executing experiments, and reporting findings in articles to be published at top venues
• Periodic meetings and feedback will ensure the success of your degree and of the project overall
• The position is available from February 2026, with some flexibility

Profile

• A strong interest and motivation to contribute to the project's goals (see Job description section above)
• Outstanding academic record, including an excellent Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or other fields related to the project's domain
• Demonstrated experience and passion in at least one of the following topics: Computer Vision, Computer Graphics, Computational Imaging, VR/AR Displays & Wearables, Deep Optics
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a passion for research
• Strong programming skills and proficiency with differentiable simulation frameworks are a plus
• Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills in English, allowing effective communication in a diverse, international environment

Workplace
Workplace
We offer

We offer to the successful candidate:

• An intellectually challenging position in the inspiring atmosphere of an interdisciplinary team, and the prospect to obtain a PhD degree from ETH Zurich
• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application as a single merged and compressed PDF file including the following documents, exactly in the following order:

• Cover letter detailing your research motivation, interests, and experience

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Academic transcripts of all degrees in English (Bachelor's and Master's)

• Three professional reference contacts, including an email and a direct phone number to reach them

• A publication or thesis work sampling your academic reasoning and writing

Please name the PDF file using the application date (YYMMDD) followed by your last name and first name. For example, an applicant named Anna Becker applying on February 1, 2026 should submit a file titled ""

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the Computational Design Laboratory (CDL) can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Mr. Fábio Porfírio at (no applications).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

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