PhD position on Photorealistic Digital Humans

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Department ESAT - EAVISE Research Field Computer science » 3 D modelling Engineering » Computer engineering Engineering » Electrical engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 31 Aug 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP-2026-467 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description

The media industry has long pursued lifelike digital humans for film and games, and today deploys avatars in virtual worlds, XR, digital twins and immersive training. Yet adoption remains limited: avatars are often perceived as unnatural or robotic. Small inconsistencies in appearance, motion or lighting can trigger uncanny valley effects, undermining acceptance and embodiment.In this project, we explore the possibilities with 3D Gaussian Splatting as an alternative to mesh-based pipelines for photorealistic rendering of digital humans. We aim to develop a novel representation for photorealistic digital humans using 3D Gaussian Splatting as a basis, and to create a coherent, integrated framework for full-body animation-ready 3D Gaussian avatars. This framework will be tested and evaluated on real captured data.
You have a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, or a related field that aligns with the topic of the PhD research.

You have good knowledge of and/or a strong interest in machine learning, computer vision and image processing.

Research experience in computer vision (e.g. through Master thesis work or research internships) is considered a strong asset.

You are creative, take initiative, and can work independently. You are also a team player and are looking forward to work on both theoretical modeling and hands-on experiments.

You have an excellent CV and are willing to write a personal funding application with the assistance of the supervisors.

You are proficient in English, have good communication skills and a sense of responsibility.

You are willing to take up some teaching tasks.
A high-level and exciting international research environment.

Conducting scientific research in the field of machine learning and computer vision.

Supervising master thesis projects in this research domain.

Providing teaching assistance in courses depending on the candidate's profile.

This is a position in the EAVISE research group. The primary work location for this position is KU Leuven Campus De Nayer (Sint-Katelijne-Waver).
A high-level and exciting international research environment.

Conducting scientific research in the field of machine learning and computer vision.

Supervising master thesis projects in this research domain.

Providing teaching assistance in courses depending on the candidate's profile.

This is a position in the EAVISE research group. The primary work location for this position is KU Leuven Campus De Nayer (Sint-Katelijne-Waver).
Eligibility criteria

You have a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, or a related field that aligns with the topic of the PhD research.

You have good knowledge of and/or a strong interest in machine learning, computer vision and image processing.

Research experience in computer vision (e.g. through Master thesis work or research internships) is considered a strong asset.

You are creative, take initiative, and can work independently. You are also a team player and are looking forward to work on both theoretical modeling and hands-on experiments.

You have an excellent CV and are willing to write a personal funding application with the assistance of the supervisors.

You are proficient in English, have good communication skills and a sense of responsibility.

You are willing to take up some teaching tasks.

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