The successful applicants will work on algorithms and techniques to make Safe Learning (SL) for Large Interconnected Systems a reality. This is a unique opportunity to develop and test new AI techniques for complex interconnected systems, such as those in future (6G and beyond) communications and in mobile & edge computing platforms.

Safe learning is one of the key research challenges in AI today. The lack of principled and practical SL algorithms prevents the use of AI in many critical application domains, especially those with strict quality-of-service criteria that operate under volatile and unforeseen conditions (e.g., the control of autonomous vehicles). The goal of these positions is to contribute to the development of the next generation of AI tools that are safe (i.e., respect system boundaries and operational requirements), robust against various sources of uncertainty, and prompt in adapting to environmental and mission changes. To this end, we envision using ideas and techniques from (but not limited to) the areas of optimistic learning, fair dynamic learning, robust learning, and continual learning, with applications to 6G and Edge AI resource control and decision-making problems.

The positions are part of a new Marie Curie Training Network called FINALITY, in which TU Delft joins forces with top universities and industries, including INRIA, IMDEA, KTH, the University of Avignon (Project Leader), the Cyprus Institute, Nokia, Telefonica, Ericsson, Orange, and others. The PhD students will have opportunities for internships with other academic and industry partners and will be able to participate in thematic summer schools and workshops organized by the project.     

Candidate Profile: Graduates applying for this position should have the following:

• Strong motivation to tackle challenging research problems.
• M.Sc. or equivalent in Mathematics, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering
• Strong interest in applied optimization, AI/ML, algorithm design (primary); and communication/computing systems (secondary). Prior research experience and publications are a plus.
• Excellent academic results (First-class honors or equivalent).
• Very good command of spoken and written English (TU Delft eligibility criteria apply).

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

The PhD positions are within the NS group, which is part of the Software Technology Department in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science (EEMCS) and will be supervised by Dr. G. Iosifidis. The PhD researchers will join a very active, stimulating, and diverse environment and will have the opportunity to be involved in both theoretical (AI, learning theory, optimization, etc.) and experimental work (data-driven and testbeds). The group participates in several national and international research projects and offers a stimulating environment with rich collaboration opportunities, including partnerships with top industry labs.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact G. Iosifidis (g.iosifidis@tudelft.nl).