Associação Fraunhofer Portugal ResearchJob Title: Computer Vision Scientist
Job Ref: AICOS_Jobs_2025_11
Job Type: Full-time contract.
Job Location: Porto, Portugal.
Job Description and Responsibilities:
Fraunhofer Portugal AICOSis seeking a talented Computer Vision Scientist to join our dynamic and multidisciplinary team within the Intelligent Systems group. In this role, you will be at the forefront of technological innovation, working on applied research projects that bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world impact. You will contribute to initiatives that enhance industries, promote social well-being, and improve quality of life. Specifically, you will contribute to the research and development of computer vision methodologies for monocular depth estimation and object detection.
As a researcher at AICOS you will work at the forefront of AI innovation, creating purposeful technologies that positively transform industries, promoting social well-being and improving quality of life.
Your role:
- Monocular Depth Estimation (MDE):
> Research and develop state-of-the-art methods for MDE, with a focus on use cases requiring millimeter-scale precision;
> Investigate and apply efficient strategies for collecting depth data for training MDE models, including 3D reconstruction and synthetic data generation;
> Design and execute pipelines for fine-tuning and benchmarking state-of-the-art general-purpose pre-trained MDE models for specialized domains.
- Object Detection:
> Explore and benchmark state-of-the-art object detection models to optimize predictive performance, efficiency, robustness, and informed model selection for target applications;
> Apply model compression techniques to encapsulate models for efficient inference on mobile and edge devices.
- Collaboration and Maintenance:
> Deliver summarized reports about the developed models and provide proper software documentation;
> Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to integrate monocular depth estimation and object detection strategies into existing pipelines and platforms;
> Maintain and refine current codebases, adhering to best practices in software development and reproducible research;
> Contribute to strategic discussions on advancing research directions, staying updated on cutting-edge ML methods related to monocular depth estimation and object detection.
Your profile:
- Mandatory Requirements:
> Academic Qualifications: Master’s degree or equivalent qualifications in Engineering Physics.
- Technical Skills:
> Programming proficiency in Python and experience with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow;
> Experience with MDE and Object Detection models;
> Experience in depth data collection and curation, including 3D reconstruction and synthetic image generation.
- Other skills:
> Excellent English communication skills (technical and general audiences);
> Capacity to translate research findings into actionable insights for real-world applications.
We value:
- Experience in Computer Vision, including MDE and object detection;
- Experience or interest in advancing robust ML solutions that maintain performance under diverse and challenging conditions;
- Commitment to clear and honest communication of data and model limitations using established reporting standards and tools;
- A track record (or strong desire) for academic or industrial research, with publications or demonstrable project experience in ML;
- Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams;
- Autonomous, dependable, proactive, and a critical-thinking team player.
Why should you join Fraunhofer Portugal:
- Innovative Environment: Be part of a people-centric workplace that fosters creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. We encourage the development of new ideas and ensure that every voice is heard;
- Research with Impact: Engage in projects that sit at the intersection of research and real-world applications, contributing to technology that makes a tangible difference in society;
- Multidisciplinary Teams: Collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds, enhancing your learning and professional growth;
- Professional Excellence: Work within a culture that upholds professional standards and best practices, promoting continuous improvement and excellence in research;
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Benefit from flexible working hours and opportunities to work from home, supporting a healthy work-life balance;
- Comprehensive Benefits: Benefit from a partially funded health insurance plan, and a variety of additional perks;
- Supportive Culture: Join a team with an excellent spirit, where collaboration, mutual support, and team achievements are celebrated.
Application Process:
Applications are open from the 3rd to the 12th of October 2025.
The selected candidate is expected to start working in October 2025.
Applications must be made to the email jobs@fraunhofer.pt and contain:
- Curriculum Vitae – mandatory;
- Motivation Letter – mandatory;
- Qualifications certificate and diploma supplement with transcripts – mandatory or declaration of honor confirming the degree at the beginning of the contract;
- Recommendation Letters – optional.
Selection process:
Admitted candidates will be subject to a curricular evaluation. Based on the results, the top-ranked candidates will be invited for an interview. All applicants will be notified of the results of the call via the email address provided in their application.
After notification, all candidates have 10 days to comment.
Note:
The research activities in the scope of this job opportunity are planned to be developed within the framework of the following projects:
- AI4CarOps – AI-Powered Vehicle Reception Operations for Car Workshops, with Notice No. MPr-2023-07- SIID-ID and Project Reference No. 18234 - Portugal 2030 Copromoção.