Summary
Are you seeking a challenging PhD position that contributes to crucial societal issues? The University of Twente is offering a fully funded, four-year PhD position focusing on the development of reliable and explainable methods for detecting manipulated images, video, and audio data, commonly known as DeepFakes. This research is vital for ensuring the trustworthiness of media content and forensic evidence, directly addressing the growing threat of fake news and digital manipulation.
You will be part of the EU project DEFORM, collaborating with 14 research institutes, universities, and companies across 6 countries. Your specific role at the University of Twente will involve working on the detection of fake videos by identifying inconsistencies in both video and audio components.
Designation
PhD Researcher
Research Area
Explainable DeepFake detection using Foundation models, Computer Vision, Pattern Recognition, AI-related techniques, Digital Forensics, Media Trustworthiness.
Location
University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification
Your Profile:
- An MSc degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a closely related field.
- A solid foundation in computer vision, pattern recognition, and AI-related techniques.
- Hands-on interest in designing methods using foundation models.
- Curious, creative, and motivated to solve demanding measurement problems.
- Enjoys moving between fundamental understanding, modeling, development, and experimental validation.
- Works carefully and systematically, comfortable analyzing measurement limitations and uncertainty.
- Communicates clearly in English and enjoys working in an international, multidisciplinary team.
- Willing to travel for project meetings, work visits, and conferences.
Job Description
The proliferation of DeepFakes poses a significant threat to the credibility of news media and the integrity of forensic investigations. This PhD project aims to counter this by developing advanced methods for detecting manipulated digital content. Beyond simple detection, the project emphasizes explainability, which is crucial for forensic applications to identify the traces of manipulation and the tools used for synthesis.
As a PhD researcher at the University of Twente, you will closely collaborate with partners in the EU project DEFORM. Your primary focus will be on detecting fake videos by analyzing inconsistencies present in both the visual and auditory streams. This involves leveraging state-of-the-art Foundation models and other innovative techniques.
Our Offer
- A fully funded, full-time PhD position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year and an intended start in autumn 2026.
- A dynamic research environment with enthusiastic colleagues and close interaction between measurement science and power electronics.
- A working culture that encourages independence, responsibility, and close collaboration.
- Salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
- Gross monthly salary ranging from €3,204 (first year) to €4,051 (fourth year).
- Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
- A minimum of 232 leave hours for full-time employment (38-hour formal work week), with an additional 96 extra leave hours annually for a practical 40-hour work week.
- Free access to sports facilities on campus.
- A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
- A tailored training and supervision plan supporting your scientific, technical, and professional development.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application via the ‘Apply now’ button on the original job posting. Please ensure your application includes the following documents:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4) emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivation for this position.
- A Curriculum Vitae, including a publication list (if applicable), contact details of at least two references, and transcripts of your BSc and MSc studies (including grades).
The first round of interviews will be held on November 1, 2026. The selection procedure will include an interview and a short technical presentation.
For more information about this position, please contact dr. Luuk Spreeuwers via email: l.j.spreeuwers@utwente.nl.
Screening is part of the selection procedure.
Last Date for Apply
October 25, 2026
