Job Description

Biometrics has existed as a field of research for more than 40 years. As of today, a vast majority of biometric technologies rely on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and are now shifting to the paradigm of Foundation Models (large AI models trained on broad data ) [1].
The Idiap Research Institute seeks qualified candidates for 1 postdoctoral position on the topic of Foundation Models for Audio-Visual DeepFake detection. The position will be aligned with the new project DEmocracy and Media Oversight in the era of AI and disinformation ( DEMO-AI ) funded by the Haster and Mercator Foundations under the joint program Digitalization & Democracy ( https://haslerstiftung.ch/die-fordertatigkeit-der-hasler-stiftung/foerderprogramme/hmdd-2025/ ) and should be filled as soon as possible.
The Postdoc candidate will work within the Biometrics Security & Privacy group under the supervision of Prof. Sebastien Marcel.
Postdoc appointments are typically for one year, with possibilities of renewal, conditional to performance.
[1] Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence's (HAI) Center for Research on Foundation Models (CRFM https://crfm.stanford.edu )
Duties include

• Carry out research as stated in the assigned project(s) and follow the evolution of project(s)
• Fulfil project-related assignments (evaluations, deliverables, ..) as requested
• Publish results (in journal papers and conferences; favour joint publications with other Idiap staff and/or project partners)
• If required, participate in project meetings and boards
• When appropriate, assume leading role as Idiap contact point or work package leader
• Help supervise PhD students and interns in collaboration with supervisors
• Participate in various Idiap activities and projects as requested by supervisor(s) or Idiap management

Candidates should hold a PhD degree in engineering, computer science or applied mathematics. They should also demonstrate excellent research experience in their field, strong publication record and ability to do creative and significant research with relative level of autonomy. Applicants should ideally have good expertise in Deep Learning (DCNNs, Transformers, GANs, Diffusion Models) and Large Multimodal Language Models. Applicants should also demonstrate a strong background in statistics, optimisation, linear algebra, and proficient programming skills (C/C++ and/or Python e.g. PyTorch) with the Linux environment.
Required languages
Fluency in English. French is a plus
Idiap is a research institute of national importance that engages in fundamental research, education and technology transfer in artificial intelligence, machine learning and signal processing. Idiap offers competitive salaries and conditions in a young, high-quality, dynamic, and multicultural environment. Idiap is located in the town of Martigny in Valais, a scenic region in the south of Switzerland, surrounded by the highest mountains of Europe, and offering exceptional quality of life, exciting recreational activities, including hiking, climbing and skiing, as well as varied cultural activities. English is the official working language.
At Idiap we place great emphasis on diversity and we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. Employment at Idiap is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications. Idiap does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, marital status, pregnancy, or any other basis protected by law.
BAC+8

Skills Required