Two Postdoc positions in Sustainable Machine Learning

The Machine Learning Section at the Department of Computer Science (DIKU) invites applicants for two Post-doctoral fellowships of 24 months duration each, in developing resource-efficient Machine Learning methods, with a focus on improving the environmental sustainability of deep learning methods. These positions are funded by the European Research Council and are part of EU Horizon projects involving multiple academic and industry partners from the EU.

The start date for both positions is (expected to be) 1 April 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

The project

Data sets as well as deep learning models are constantly getting bigger, requiring exponentially increasing computational resources in the last few years. Consequently, the energy consumption and the corresponding carbon footprint of training deep learning systems have also grown considerably.

In this project, we aim to investigate resource-efficient machine learning methods. This can be at the level of developing novel algorithms, learning paradigms, or hardware optimization techniques that can result in reductions in the resources required when training and deploying Machine Learning pipelines. Methods that reduce the amount of required training data, labelling, energy consumption, and carbon costs are of particular interest.

Successful candidates will be expected to carry out high quality research within a collaborative environment. The postdocs will be closely working with Professor Christian Igel (igel@di.ku.dk ), Professor Erik B Dam (erikdam@di.ku.dk ) and Assistant Professor Raghavendra Selvan (raghav@di.ku.dk ).

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates with a PhD broadly within the field(s) of computer science with an interest in machine learning and environmental sustainability. Applicants can have a background in other related disciplines such as applied mathematics, signal processing and electrical engineering.  Candidates who are about to complete their PhD are also encouraged to apply if a statement of support with the intended completion date is obtained from their PhD supervisor. Applicants from under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.

The postdoc’s duties will include research as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Our group and research - and what do we offer?

The Machine Learning Section is a part of the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen and the ELLIS Unit Copenhagen (https://ellis.eu/). The department is heading 2 centers within Artificial Intelligence: the SCIENCE AI Center and the Pioneer Center within Artificial Intelligence. The University of Copenhagen was founded in 1479 and is the oldest and largest university in Denmark. Within computer science, it is ranked number 2 in the European Union according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2021.

The Department of Computer Science offers a friendly and thriving international research and working environment with opportunities to build up internationally competitive research groups. Copenhagen is one of the 10 most livable cities in the world with a rich culture within music, theater and associations. Life for families is made easy by a publicly supported daycare and health care system, dual career opportunities, maternity/parental leave and six weeks of paid annual vacation. International candidates may find information on living and working in Denmark here . Useful information is also available at The International Staff Mobility office (ISM) at the University of Copenhagen (link ). ISM offers a variety of services to international researchers coming to and working at the University of Copenhagen.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is Sunday 15 January 2023, 23:59 GMT +1. 

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.