Group leader (m/f/d) in the field of physics-based rendering of translucent objects

The ILM is an industry-oriented research institute within the Innovation Alliance Baden-Württemberg (innBW). Through industrial contracts and publicly funded research projects, it conducts applied photonics research in the fields of healthcare, analytics, and engineering. The ILM's Quantitative Imaging and Sensing department focuses on both the theoretical and experimental investigation of the interaction of light with scattering media. Its applications range from medical diagnosis and therapy, to process monitoring and quality control in areas such as food production, pharmaceuticals, and technical materials, as well as the study of microscopic image formation and computer-assisted image synthesis.

For more information, please visit the department's website.

To be filled at the earliest possible date is a

Group leader (m/f/d) in the field of physics-based rendering of translucent objects

with a focus on 

• Monte Carlo simulation for solving the radiative transfer equation in scattering and absorbing complex 3D objects
• Comparison of rendered images with photographs of real-world objects
• Physics-based modeling of the rough surface properties of the materials involved
• Quantitative investigation of anisotropic light propagation in objects with complex microstructures
• Acceleration of simulations through variance reduction techniques
• Application-oriented research projects, e.g. in autonomous driving, dentistry, 3D printing, and the generation of digital twins
• Collaboration with the newly established Center for the Determination of Optical Properties of Scattering Media (ZOE)

Your profile:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) and a Ph.D. in engineering, physics, mathematics, or computer science
• Excellent knowledge of theoretical optics
• Strong programming skills (Python/MATLAB, C++, OpenCL/CUDA)
• Experience with concepts of physics-based rendering and established ray tracing methods
• Publications in leading peer-reviewed journals
• Experience in acquiring third-party research funding (both public and industrial projects)
• Excellent written and spoken English

We offer:

• A diverse and challenging position at the interface of science and industry
• Attractive performance-based compensation
• A high degree of independence and freedom to shape your research
• Interdisciplinary and creative teamwork
• The opportunity to pursue a Habilitation (postdoctoral qualification for professorship in the German academic system)
• No teaching obligations
• A permanent tenure-track position

The ILM welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities and strongly encourages them to apply. Please submit your complete application documents by email, with the subject line "Application – Group Leader, Department II", as PDF file(s) to bewerbungen@ilm-ulm.de. For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Alwin Kienle by email or by telephone at +49 731/1429 224.

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