PhD scholarship in AI and Computer Vision for Automated Fisheries Monitoring - DTU Aqua

If you have a keen interest in computer vision, machine learning, and deep learning, and their application in species identification and automated catch registration for the advancement of commercial fisheries, this may be the perfect position for you.
We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on the development of advanced computer vision and machine learning algorithms for detection and identification of species from Electronic Monitoring (EM) systems onboard commercial fishing vessels. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research in automated fisheries monitoring, supporting sustainable fisheries management and compliance efforts.

You will join the Section for Fisheries Technology at DTU Aqua in Hirtshals. The section has 20 employees and focuses on the technological development of fishing gears, techniques and methods that can contribute to promoting economic and environmental sustainability in the fishing industry, and that can support society's need to regulate fishing. The section is internationally recognized and has a strong collaborative network within the development of advanced analytics.

We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment with excellent facilities for experimental studies and scientific cruise-based research. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterised by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Electronic Monitoring (EM) plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with fishing regulations and enhancing sustainability by providing better oversight of fishing activities and catches. EM systems use cameras and sensors to objectively and efficiently monitor fishing activities. Currently, video footage from these systems is manually reviewed—a time-consuming process that poses a significant bottleneck to widespread adoption.

This project aims to overcome this limitation by leveraging advancements in computer vision and machine learning to develop automated algorithms for species detection, identification, and length estimation. Additionally, it will focus on creating AI-assisted review software to streamline the analysis of EM data, enhancing efficiency and scalability in fisheries monitoring.

The specific content of the project will be formulated in cooperation with the successful candidate reflecting the candidates’ qualifications, under the outline defined by externally funded projects and ongoing activities. The candidate will join an active, international and cross-disciplinary research team. A significant part of the research and development activities is to be carried out in collaboration with the fishing and fishing gear industries.

Key Responsibilities
The project involves developing and implementing deep learning models for species detection, classification, and length estimation from EM video footage. You will process and annotate large-scale EM datasets, collaborating with fisheries scientists to ensure accurate species identification.

A key task will be to optimize and validate algorithms for real-world deployment, improving detection accuracy under challenging maritime conditions.

It is expected that you publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at international conferences. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including AI researchers, industry partners, and regulatory bodies, to integrate AI-assisted review tools into fisheries monitoring systems.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A master’s degree (or equivalent) in Marine Biology or Engineering with computational experience, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a related field.
• Programming skills in Python, with experience in deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Experience with computer vision techniques, image processing, and neural networks.
• Familiarity with fisheries science and EM systems is a plus but not required.
• Ability to work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken).

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Head of Section for Fisheries Technology, Jordan Feekings, +45 24895821; email: jpfe@aqua.dtu.dk

You can read more about DTU Aqua at www.aqua.dtu.dk

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 5 May 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

About DTU Aqua, Technical University of Denmark
DTU Aqua provides research, advice, innovation and education at the highest international level within the sustainable exploitation of living marine and freshwater resources, the biology of aquatic organisms, and the dynamics of ecosystems as well as their integration in ecosystem-based management. DTU Aqua has 350 employees, of whom a third are scientific staff. The other employees are assistant biologists, laboratory technicians, administrative staff, ship’s crew etc. In addition, the institute has a number of scientific and administrative support functions, including the research vessels DANA and HAVFISKEN. DTU Aqua has locations in Lyngby, Hirtshals, Nykøbing Mors, and Silkeborg.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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