Student Assistant - 3D Human Spine Modeling

Are you interested in an exciting student job in applied research? Then the ZIB is the place to be! Become part of our international team! The Zuse Institute Berlin (ZIB) is a non-university research institute under public law of the state of Berlin. We conduct research and development in applied mathematics and computer science as well as the analysis and processing of complex data in conjunction with high-performance computing.

For our research group Computational Diagnosis and Therapy Planning, which is part of the division Visual and Data-Centric Computing, we are looking for a Student Assistant - 3D Human Spine Modeling and Articulation (f/m/d).

Project Description - Project Goals

The project in which we are looking for support is part of the DFG Research Unit 5177 that we carry out in close collaboration with Charité Berlin. The main goal of the research unit is to investigate reasons and possible therapeutic concepts for low back pain (LBP). In our project, we are investigating which spinal configurations and motions may be associated with LBP. For that purpose, we analyze a large pool of 3D models of the human spine, to develop an articulated spine model that can be adjusted to individual spine measurements.

Your Tasks

• Modeling joints between 3D shapes of spinal vertebrae to simulate spinal motion (flexion, extension, torsion)
• Developing a fast collision detection and avoidance algorithm
• Fitting the articulated spine model to individual spine measurements without model intersections

Your Profile - Basic Requirements

• Master's student in computer science, computer engineering, computer graphics, applied mathematics or any program with comparable course work
• Strong interest in 3D computer graphics, game engines, game development, and the development of efficient algorithms
• Interested in modeling human anatomy and body motion for applied biomechanics
• Practical experience with at least one programming language (Python, C++ etc.)
• Good knowledge in linear algebra and practical experience in respective libraries
• Interest in basic optimization algorithms
• Team player who can work independently and goal-oriented

Nice-to-Haves

Knowledge in one or more of the following areas is a plus: GPU programming (OpenGL, OpenCL, CUDA etc.), distance fields, collision detection/avoidance, inverse kinematics, 3D animation.

We offer active introductory training in a small and motivated team as well as a flexible working environment with the possibility of mobile work. The employment is based on the collective agreement for student employees with 41 hours/month and is limited to 18 months (with an option for extension). We will support a possible master's thesis based on this work.

Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply. Since women are underrepresented in information technology, the ZIB is trying to increase the proportion of women in this research area. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference if equally qualified.

Please send your full application, quoting the reference code SH 14/23, including CV and the standard supporting documents as well as your certificate of matriculation in pdf-format (one file) by October 22nd, 2023 (date of receipt) to: jobszib.de

Our private policy statement regarding application data is available at www.zib.de/impressum. For further information about the position, please refer to our website www.zib.de or contact Cagdas Aslan (aslanzib.de) or Dr. Stefan Zachow (zachowzib.de). For further job offers please visit our website at www.zib.de/jobads.