Visual defect detection and identification in continuous production processes with minimal human feedback

15 Jan 2026
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KU LEUVEN

Research Field

Computer science » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Application Deadline

5 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (UTC)

Country

Belgium

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Offer Starting Date

1 May 2026

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Reference Number

BAP-2026-26

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Context

The project focusses on camera-based quality control, and more specifically defect detection and identification, in continuous production lines where goods such as polymer products, textiles, or food are transported on conveyor belts. The challenge in such processes lies in the nature of defects: they occur rarely, are often subtle, the underlying product may vary, and there is a wide diversity of possible defect types. Developing such a defect detection system today requires lots of manual effort and custom product-dependent tuning that often starts with the collection of an offline dataset used to train models that are later put into production. These offline datasets often contain imbalanced data dominated by good samples, with many defect types underrepresented. Labeling such datasets is inefficient, as most labeled data will be defect-free, and training models on these imbalanced datasets leads to poor performance. Visual anomaly detection can offer a solution, but does not provide defect identification and is often hard to tune in practice. This project will focus on an autonomous inline system that starts without any prior knowledge and learns detecting and identifying defects on the fly. It will do so by analyzing continuous incoming data, identifying and classifying deviations in the data while assessing the need for minimal human feedback to assist in identifying observed deviations. The expected outcome will be validated both in the lab as well as in real-world industrial settings, hence requiring robustness and meeting all relevant industry standards. 

 

PhD research project

The objective of this PhD is to contribute to the investigation, development, and valorization of self-learning camera-based defect detection and identification systems for quality control in continuous production lines. This PhD position is part of the Flanders Make IRVA (Accelerator for Industrial Research and Valorization) project RETINA, which intends to enable low-effort visual defect detection and identification in continuous production processes. It offers the opportunity to perform the research in close collaboration with leading industry partners.

We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic, passionate, and communicative researcher, with a proactive and creative attitude who is eager to explore innovative solutions. If you recognize yourself in the story below, then you have the profile that fits the project and the research group:

• I have a Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field and performed above average in comparison to my peers.
• I am proficient in written and spoken English.
• During my courses or prior professional activities, I have gathered experience with machine/deep learning, and can demonstrate a strong affinity with these fields. Prior experience with computer vision is a plus.
  
• I am proficient in Python and am familiar with data science and machine/deep learning toolkits. Experience with model deployment and the usage of MLOps tools (Dockerization, CI/CD pipelines, edge infrastructure, etc.) is a plus. 
  
• As a PhD researcher at KU Leuven, I perform research in a structured and scientifically sound manner. I read technical papers, understand the nuances between different theories and implement and improve methodologies myself.
• Based on interactions and discussions with my supervisors and the colleagues in my team, I set up and update a plan of approach for the upcoming 1 to 3 months to work towards my research goals. I work with a sufficient degree of independence to follow my plan and achieve the goals. I indicate timely when deviations of the plan are required, if goals cannot be met or if I want to discuss intermediate results or issues.
• In frequent reporting, varying between weekly to monthly, I show the results that I have obtained and I give a well-founded interpretation of those results. I iterate on my work and my approach based on the feedback of my supervisors which steer the direction of my research.
• I feel comfortable to work as a team member and I am eager to share my results to inspire and being inspired by my colleagues.
• I value being part of a research group which is well connected to the mechatronics industry and I am eager to learn how academic research can be linked to industrial innovation roadmaps.
• During my PhD I want to grow towards representing the research group on project meetings or conferences. I see these events as an occasion to disseminate my work to an audience of international experts and research colleagues, and to learn about the larger context of my research and the research project.

We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply, as we believe that different perspectives contribute to better research and innovation.

Application Instructions for the PhD vacancy

To apply for this position, please use the online application tool and ensure that you submit the following documents in a single PDF file:

Motivation Letter: A letter (maximum 1 A4 page) addressing your strengths and qualifications in relation to the project.

Complete Academic CV: A detailed CV including information about your education, current position, work experience (if any), employment gaps (if any), interests, extracurricular activities, international experiences, and projects demonstrating your programming/software skills, background knowledge relative to the project and level of expertise.

List of Publications: If applicable, provide a list of your publications, including DOIs. Please do not include PDFs of the publications.

Copies of Diplomas: Include copies of your BSc and MSc degrees.

Transcript of Records: Provide transcripts for your BSc and MSc degrees. If you have not yet completed your Master's degree, include your available credits and scores, as well as a list of courses you are taking in the upcoming semester.

English Summary of Master Thesis: A summary of your master thesis in English (maximum 1 A4 page, or 2 pages max when including a figure).

Proof of English Language Proficiency: Documentation demonstrating your proficiency in English (TOEFL, IELTS, …), if available.

Reference Letter or Contact Details: A reference letter or the contact information for one reference who can provide a recommendation letter upon request.

The position will be hosted within the collaborative and internationally oriented research environment at KU Leuven, one of the world's leading universities (ranked among the top 100 globally). Founded in 1425, KU Leuven has been a center of learning for nearly six centuries and is Belgium’s highest-ranked university, as well as one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. KU Leuven provides a truly international experience, high-quality education, world-class research, and cutting-edge innovation, having topped Reuters' ranking of Europe's most innovative universities for four consecutive years.

We offer:

• A fully funded 4-year PhD scholarship (extendable to 4 years), with a remuneration package competitive with industry standards in Belgium, a country with a high quality of life and excellent health care system.
• Ample occasions to develop yourself in a scientific and/or an industrial direction. Besides opportunities offered by the research group, further doctoral training for PhD candidates is provided in the framework of the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School (https://set.kuleuven.be/phd ), known for its strong focus on both future scientists and scientifically trained professionals who will valorise their doctoral expertise and competences in a non-academic context.
• Opportunities to collaborate in groundbreaking research and participate in international conferences.
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and a range of university benefits (health insurance, etc.).
• A dynamic, passionate team of fellow PhD students and test engineers.

As a PhD candidate, you will be based at KU Leuven’s Bruges Campus (https://www.kuleuven.be/english/bruges ), as part of a dynamic and interdisciplinary team of AI researchers, with access to state-of-the-art lab facilities to experimentally validate your findings in close collaboration with industrial partners.

The successful candidate will be encouraged to present their research at international conferences and national events, with a strong emphasis on publishing high-quality conference papers and journal articles. They will benefit from our robust international research and industrial network, which is actively involved in this project.

KU Leuven Campus Bruges, located in the magnificent medieval city of Bruges in West Flanders, offers a vibrant academic setting in close proximity to a network of companies. The campus features newly established labs to support both educational and research needs.

For more information please contact Prof. Mathias Verbeke (mathias.verbeke@kuleuven.be ) or dr. Matthias De Ryck (matthias.deryck@kuleuven.be ).

Where to apply

Website

https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60609104?hl=en

Requirements

Research Field

Computer science

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Mathematics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Physics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Technology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Research Field

Computer science » Other

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Additional Information
Benefits

The position will be hosted within the collaborative and internationally oriented research environment at KU Leuven, one of the world's leading universities (ranked among the top 100 globally). Founded in 1425, KU Leuven has been a center of learning for nearly six centuries and is Belgium’s highest-ranked university, as well as one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. KU Leuven provides a truly international experience, high-quality education, world-class research, and cutting-edge innovation, having topped Reuters' ranking of Europe's most innovative universities for four consecutive years.

We offer:

• A fully funded 4-year PhD scholarship (extendable to 4 years), with a remuneration package competitive with industry standards in Belgium, a country with a high quality of life and excellent health care system.
• Ample occasions to develop yourself in a scientific and/or an industrial direction. Besides opportunities offered by the research group, further doctoral training for PhD candidates is provided in the framework of the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School (https://set.kuleuven.be/phd ), known for its strong focus on both future scientists and scientifically trained professionals who will valorise their doctoral expertise and competences in a non-academic context.
• Opportunities to collaborate in groundbreaking research and participate in international conferences.
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and a range of university benefits (health insurance, etc.).
• A dynamic, passionate team of fellow PhD students and test engineers.

As a PhD candidate, you will be based at KU Leuven’s Bruges Campus (https://www.kuleuven.be/english/bruges ), as part of a dynamic and interdisciplinary team of AI researchers, with access to state-of-the-art lab facilities to experimentally validate your findings in close collaboration with industrial partners.

The successful candidate will be encouraged to present their research at international conferences and national events, with a strong emphasis on publishing high-quality conference papers and journal articles. They will benefit from our robust international research and industrial network, which is actively involved in this project.

KU Leuven Campus Bruges, located in the magnificent medieval city of Bruges in West Flanders, offers a vibrant academic setting in close proximity to a network of companies. The campus features newly established labs to support both educational and research needs.

Eligibility criteria

We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic, passionate, and communicative researcher, with a proactive and creative attitude who is eager to explore innovative solutions. If you recognize yourself in the story below, then you have the profile that fits the project and the research group:

• I have a Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field and performed above average in comparison to my peers.
• I am proficient in written and spoken English.
• During my courses or prior professional activities, I have gathered experience with machine/deep learning, and can demonstrate a strong affinity with these fields. Prior experience with computer vision is a plus.
  
• I am proficient in Python and am familiar with data science and machine/deep learning toolkits. Experience with model deployment and the usage of MLOps tools (Dockerization, CI/CD pipelines, edge infrastructure, etc.) is a plus. 
  
• As a PhD researcher at KU Leuven, I perform research in a structured and scientifically sound manner. I read technical papers, understand the nuances between different theories and implement and improve methodologies myself.
• Based on interactions and discussions with my supervisors and the colleagues in my team, I set up and update a plan of approach for the upcoming 1 to 3 months to work towards my research goals. I work with a sufficient degree of independence to follow my plan and achieve the goals. I indicate timely when deviations of the plan are required, if goals cannot be met or if I want to discuss intermediate results or issues.
• In frequent reporting, varying between weekly to monthly, I show the results that I have obtained and I give a well-founded interpretation of those results. I iterate on my work and my approach based on the feedback of my supervisors which steer the direction of my research.
• I feel comfortable to work as a team member and I am eager to share my results to inspire and being inspired by my colleagues.
• I value being part of a research group which is well connected to the mechatronics industry and I am eager to learn how academic research can be linked to industrial innovation roadmaps.
• During my PhD I want to grow towards representing the research group on project meetings or conferences. I see these events as an occasion to disseminate my work to an audience of international experts and research colleagues, and to learn about the larger context of my research and the research project.

We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply, as we believe that different perspectives contribute to better research and innovation.

Application Instructions for the PhD vacancy

To apply for this position, please use the online application tool and ensure that you submit the following documents in a single PDF file:

Motivation Letter: A letter (maximum 1 A4 page) addressing your strengths and qualifications in relation to the project.

Complete Academic CV: A detailed CV including information about your education, current position, work experience (if any), employment gaps (if any), interests, extracurricular activities, international experiences, and projects demonstrating your programming/software skills, background knowledge relative to the project and level of expertise.

List of Publications: If applicable, provide a list of your publications, including DOIs. Please do not include PDFs of the publications.

Copies of Diplomas: Include copies of your BSc and MSc degrees.

Transcript of Records: Provide transcripts for your BSc and MSc degrees. If you have not yet completed your Master's degree, include your available credits and scores, as well as a list of courses you are taking in the upcoming semester.

English Summary of Master Thesis: A summary of your master thesis in English (maximum 1 A4 page, or 2 pages max when including a figure).

Proof of English Language Proficiency: Documentation demonstrating your proficiency in English (TOEFL, IELTS, …), if available.

Reference Letter or Contact Details: A reference letter or the contact information for one reference who can provide a recommendation letter upon request.

Selection process

For more information please contact Prof. Mathias Verbeke (mathias.verbeke@kuleuven.be ) or dr. Matthias De Ryck (matthias.deryck@kuleuven.be ).

Website for additional job details

https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60609104?hl=en

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KU LEUVEN

Country

Belgium

City

Brugge

Geofield

Contact

City

Brugge

STATUS: EXPIRED

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