Overview

Workplace: Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic

Thesis Topic: Forensic Image Analysis

Supervisor: Prof. Petra Urbanová

Type of Cooperation: PhD fellowship (more information on PhD study programmes at the Faculty of Science here)

Expected Start Date: negotiable

Application Deadline:  December 20, 2024

About the Workplace

The Department of Anthropology at Masaryk University’s Faculty of Science in Brno, Czech Republic, is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated graduates to enrich our academic community.

Masaryk University is modern, dynamic and the most attractive university in the Czech Republic with ten faculties, more than 6500 staff and 33 000 students, a wide range of research areas and a strong international position. We are the largest academic employer in the South Moravian Region.

Besides, studying at our Faculty is an opportunity to study and live in a modern and dynamic city and one of 10 best student cities.

Faculty of Science MU, a holder of the HR Excellence in Research Award by the European Commission, is a research-oriented faculty, offering university education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs) closely linked to both primary and applied research and high school teaching of the following sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth sciences. We are the most productive scientific unit of the Masaryk University generating around 40 % of MU research results.

Department of Anthropology at the Faculty of Science MUNI is an academic, research- and education-oriented institution which focuses on the study of interactions between biological, social and cultural aspects of humankind. We are a modern institution oriented on current trends in education, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D. degrees, consistently with more than a hundred of students in the undergraduate programs and currently with eight students in the Ph.D. program. From the very beginning, students are offered intensive training in topics of biological and socio-cultural anthropology. They are encouraged to participate in department’s research projects which contributes crucially to their success in the job market after graduation. The research activities are anchored in the tradition embodying the biological and the behavioral aspect of mankind. Many of our top-tier research projects aim to apply scientific knowledge in practice – emphasis is given on developing methods for the fields of forensic sciences and forensic anthropology. The department’s labs are equipped with cutting-edge technologies for 3D data acquisition of human body morphology and advanced biological data processing.

Currently, the Department of Anthropology includes 17 faculty members and researchers who are involved in teaching, conducting research and promoting science. For more information, please visit its website at https://www.muni.cz/en/about-us/organizational-structure/faculty-of-science/314070-deptof-anthropology.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join our research group in forensic identification and forensic image analysis. The successful candidate will work closely with experts in forensic science, digital forensics, and computational imaging to contribute to both fundamental research and practical applications in the field. The candidate will also contribute in development of application for advanced image processing of visual evidence, including 2D and 3D images and videos, to support forensic investigations and forensic expertise. This position requires technical expertise in image processing.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct research on advanced methods for forensic image and video analysis
  • Develop and implement innovative algorithms for pattern recognition and personal identification
  • Analyze and interpret visual evidence, including big-data image datasets
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including forensic experts and law-enforcement officers
  • Attend the team’s regular meetings and play a role in coordinating the various events and activities related to the project
  • Publish findings in academic journals and present at international conferences
  • Complete an article-based (cumulative) PhD thesis in English within four years

Required qualifications:

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Forensic Science, Digital Imaging, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field
  • Strong interest in forensic applications of image and video analysis
  • Proficiency in programming languages (C#/.NET, C/C++, Python) and experience with image processing libraries or tools
  • Familiarity with SDKs, APIs, OpenCV libraries, and ML/DL frameworksBasic knowledge of communication formats (e.g., JSON, XML)
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Effective communication skills and proficiency in English (spoken and written)
  • High level of commitment to completing PhD studies

Preferred qualifications:

  • Knowledge of machine learning or AI techniques in image analysis
  • Basic knowledge of scripting languages
  • Understanding of 3D modeling, photogrammetry, or similar technologies.
  • Familiarity with forensic imaging software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Amped FIVE) is a plus.
  • Experience with interdisciplinary research or forensic collaborations

Why join us

By joining our team and participating in the PhD program, the candidate will expand their expertise in forensic sciences while acquiring specialized knowledge and skills as a forensic image analyst. Key skills include:

  • Processing and analyzing digital images and video recordings for forensic investigations
  • Conducting comparative analysis of image data to identify key features and evidence
  • Collaborating with forensic scientists, law enforcement, and legal teams
  • Preparing reports of findings and providing expert testimony in court, if required

Additional advantages:

  • Enrollment in a well-regarded PhD program with structured training and supervision
  • Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment
  • Opportunity to collaborate with leading experts in forensic science and imaging
  • Funding for research-related international mobility or attendance of conferences, and workshops

The successful candidate will be guaranteed a minimum monthly income of CZK 35 000.

How to Apply

Please send the documents below to: Mgr. Tomáš Mořkovský; email: morkovsky@sci.muni.cz

  • A curriculum vitae (max. 5 pages);
  • A letter of motivation (max. 3 pages) explaining the candidate’s interest and experience in the project research topic;
  • A letter of recommendation from a person familiar with the candidate’s academic background;
  • A copy of the PhD’s degree diploma and diploma supplement.

Selection Process

Received applications will be continuously reviewed and carefully considered. Shortlisted applicants meeting the requirements will be invited to an interview.

Please note that your application does not substitute an official admission process to Ph.D. studies at SCI MUNI. Details including discussion about the research topic, required documentation or formalities will be a subject of the interview with successful candidates. Only upon the informal pre-agreement with potential future supervisor, a formal application for PhD studies at Faculty of Science, Masaryk University can be submitted.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Related Jobs