PhD student in Machine Learning with a focus on generative models for nonlinear dynamics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Are you interested in working with generative machine learning methods and their use within nonlinear dynamical systems, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favorable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a PhD position at Uppsala University. 

Uppsala University has a long tradition of successful research – among its alumni are 16 Nobel Prize laureates, including, most recently, Svante Pääbo. The University is unique when it comes to combining IT with wider research, from life sciences to the humanities, and this collaboration is currently facilitated by AI4Research and the Centre for Interdisciplinary Mathematics.

The Department of Information Technology holds a leading position in both research and education at all levels. We are currently Uppsala University's third largest department, have around 350 employees, including 120 teachers and 120 PhD students. Approximately 5,000 undergraduate students take one or more courses at the department each year. You can find more information about us on the Department of Information Technology website.

At the Division of Systems and Control, we develop both theory and concrete tools to design systems that learn, reason, and act in the real world based on a seamless combination of data, mathematical models, and algorithms. Our research integrates expertise from machine learning, optimization, control theory, and applied mathematics, spanning diverse application domains such as medicine, energy systems, biomedical systems, neuroscience, and safety and security.

The Division of Systems and Control enjoys a wide network of strong international collaborators all around the world, for example at the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College, University of Sydney, University of Newcastle and Aalto University. We strive for all PhD students to get a solid international experience during their PhD.

The position is a part of the Beijer Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence Research, funded by Kjell and Märta Beijer Foundation. The Beijer Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence Research was established in 2023 at Uppsala University with an ambition to grow activities within the subject of AI, focusing on applications in the life sciences and questions related to societal development.

Project description
This project focuses on developing theory and probabilistic methods for generative modelling of nonlinear dynamical systems. These dynamical models are essential in explaining and understanding the world around us since many phenomena evolve over time. When it comes to modeling nonlinear dynamics, flexible models have the potential to significantly enhance performance over simple ones. Over the past two years we have focused more on generative models in this context, where we foresee an interesting future and the successful candidate will contribute to this. A key topic here is to design deep neural network models with longer memories. 

Duties
The doctoral position involves the development of theory and probabilistic methods for generative modeling of nonlinear dynamic systems. Related to this is the task of deriving algorithms that can be used to learn the unknown model parameters from the measured data. If there is interest we will also look into applications within life science and medicine via our collaborators in cardiology and neuro surgery.

The position is for four years but a maximum of five years, and may include departmental duties at a level of at most 20% (typically teaching).

Requirements
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in engineering physics, computer science, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, machine learning, or in a similar field, or
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

We are looking for candidates with

• a strong interest in developing new methods and models for generative machine learning, with a focus on nonlinear dynamical systems,
• good communication skills with sufficient proficiency in oral and written English,
• excellent study results,
• good working knowledge in programming (preferably in Python or Matlab),
• personal characteristics, such as a high level of creativity, thoroughness, and/or a structured approach to problem-solving are essential.

Additional qualifications
Experience and courses in one or more subjects are valued: statistical machine learning, optimisation, linear algebra, calculus, deep learning, programming, dynamical systems and control.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

Application
The application must include:
1) a statement (at most 2 pages) of the applicant’s motivation for applying for this position, including a self-assessment on why you would be the right candidate for this position;
2) a CV;
3) degrees and transcript of records with grades (translated to English or Swedish);
4) the Master’s thesis (or a draft thereof, and/or some other self-produced technical or scientific text), publications, and other relevant documents;
5) references with contact information (names, emails and telephone number) and up to two letters of recommendation. 

Applicants who meet at least one of the eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply. All applicants should indicate their earliest possible start date.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1 September 2024 as agreed. Placement: Uppsala. 

For further information about the position, please contact: Professor Thomas Schön,  thomas.schon@it.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 28 March 2024, UFV-PA 2024/560.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.