The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Computational Ultra‑Wide‑Angle Holographic Display Systems. This opportunity is based in the Faculty of Engineering, Department Electronics and Informatics, within the imec-VUB research group, renowned for its expertise in optical imaging systems and signal processing. The project is part of a high-impact, multidisciplinary WEAVE initiative funded by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) and the National Science Centre Poland (NCN), in collaboration with Warsaw University of Technology.

The research aims to advance the field of computational holography and photonic display systems, pushing the boundaries of field of view, resolution, and visual realism in holographic visualization. The project addresses challenges such as data bandwidth, optical control, rendering pipelines, and algorithmic integration of hardware, sensors, and computational models. The PhD student will focus on innovative computational methods, combining optical system design, signal processing, machine learning, and optimization to develop new solutions for hologram recording, generation, quality assessment, and real-time rendering.

Research themes include computer-generated holography (CGH), optical system analysis and simulation, AI/ML algorithm development, and perceptual and objective visual quality assessment for holograms. The results have the potential to impact consumer, industrial, medical, and scientific visualization systems. The position offers access to state-of-the-art optical laboratories and computational resources, mentorship from leading experts, and opportunities for international collaboration and conference participation.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or Computer Science, with strong skills in optical wave propagation, Fourier optics, computational imaging, digital signal processing, and scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, C/C++). Familiarity with machine learning or deep learning is required. Candidates must not have worked as an assistant paid from operating resources for more than 12 months. Non-EEA nationals must meet permit and residence requirements for VUB.

The PhD scholarship is full-time for 12 months, extendable up to 48 months upon positive evaluation, with a grant linked to government scales. Additional benefits include telework allowance, hospitalisation insurance, public transport reimbursement, campus meal discounts, sports facilities, nursery discounts, and support for scientific training and career development. The workplace is the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene).

To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, and diploma (not required for VUB alumni) via jobs.vub.be by 16 March 2026. The selection process includes an initial review and a job interview. For job content questions, contact Prof. Peter Schelkens at [email protected]. For more information about VUB and EUTOPIA, visit jobs.vub.be and eutopia-university.eu.