Patrick Vandewalle

This PhD position at KU Leuven is based in the EAVISE research group, a multidisciplinary team working on advanced computer vision, audio, artificial intelligence, and efficient implementations on embedded systems. The project is centered on photorealistic digital humans and explores 3D Gaussian Splatting as an alternative to mesh-based pipelines for rendering lifelike avatars. The research aim is to develop a novel representation for photorealistic digital humans using 3D Gaussian Splatting, and to build an integrated, full-body animation-ready framework for 3D Gaussian avatars. The resulting methods will be evaluated on real captured data, with the broader goal of reducing the uncanny-valley effect and improving realism, acceptance, and embodiment in film, games, XR, virtual worlds, digital twins, and immersive training. The position is suitable for candidates with a strong background or clear interest in machine learning, computer vision, and image processing. A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline is required. Research experience in computer vision, for example through a master’s thesis or research internship, is considered a strong advantage. The profile also highlights creativity, initiative, independence, teamwork, strong English communication skills, and willingness to contribute to teaching. KU Leuven offers a high-level international research environment and the opportunity to work in a strong applied AI/computer vision setting within EAVISE at Campus De Nayer in Sint-Katelijne-Waver, with the job details also referencing Leuven, Belgium. The post mentions that the successful candidate should be willing to write a personal funding application with assistance from the supervisors. The contact person for further information is Prof. dr. Patrick Vandewalle (patrick.vandewalle@kuleuven.be). The application deadline is 2026-08-31 23:59 (Europe/Brussels).