Funded PhD position in machine learning – University of Saint-Etienne (France)

The Machine Learning research group of the University of Saint-Etienne (France) invites applications for a fully funded 3-years PhD position at the Hubert-Curien lab.

Topic of the studentship:
Machine Learning for Image Recognition
(starting date is 1 October 2009)

This project mainly concerns the design of new methods for learning similarities between images that are represented in the form of strings, trees or graphs. The selected candidate will work in the context of the SATTIC (http://labh-curien.univ-st-etienne.fr/wiki-sattic) project, financed by the French National Research Agency. He/She will join the machine learning group composed of about 20 researchers working on the crossroads of machine learning, data mining and information retrieval.

Candidates must have demonstrable interest and expertise in machine learning, statistical theory and have strong programming skills. A background in image processing is encouraged but not required. Applicant should get a Master degree in Computer Science in 2009.

Expressions of interest with a short CV should be sent to: marc.sebban (at) univ-st-etienne.fr by 1 June 2009 at the latest.

Some links:
-Some facts about Saint-Etienne can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Étienne.
-Saint Etienne is a medium size city with a quite low cost of living (compared to same size cities in France).
-Paris can be reached from Saint Etienne in less than 3 hours via a direct train. The closest airport is Lyon Saint Exupéry (http://www.lyon.aeroport.fr).
-The city is surrounded by the “regional parc of pilat” in which almost any outdoor activity can be practiced (http://www.parc-naturel-pilat.fr/eng/).
-From a cultural point of view, the art museum in Saint-Etienne holds the second national contemporary art collection, and classic concerts, dance shows, and lyric operas are performed at the Saint-Etienne “Massenet Opera” (http://www.decouvrez-le-votre.com/).