AI Research Fellow

SUTD was established in 2009 as a collaboration with MIT, and has recently in 2018 topped the list of emerging engineering schools in the world . At SUTD, there is a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary and collaborative research. Our unconventional naming of departments (or pillars) is a reflection of our philosophy that impactful research would naturally encompass multiple disciplines. SUTD is located in Singapore, a multiracial multicultural country, where English is the main language used in all schools and most workplaces, especially among people of different races.

We are seeking two highly motivated research fellows with strong algebraic backgrounds, who are interested to explore new research directions in Artificial Intelligence, and specifically in machine reasoning. The successful candidate can expect to conduct research on a completely new topic that combines commutative algebra with AI, and will work closely with other team members.

When we think about AI, nothing captures our imagination and fascination more than the possibility that one day, machines would surpass humans in intelligence tests and general reasoning tasks. With this motivation, my team has obtained substantial preliminary results on getting machines to solve visual-based IQ tests, where the underlying idea is that solving such reasoning tasks amounts to solving computational problems in algebra. The goal of this project is to develop a foundational theory for this completely new algebraic approach to machine reasoning, and understand how this algebraic framework can be used to tackle more general reasoning tests beyond IQ tests. The current framework we have is based on methods from both commutative algebra and computational algebra. We aim to build upon this framework and ultimately establish a comprehensive rigorous theory for machine reasoning.

Duration of position: 2-3 years. (Two post-doctoral positions available)

• Required: PhD degree in mathematics, with experience in commutative algebra, computational algebra, homological algebra, or a related algebraic area.
• The candidate is expected to have at least some programming experience, and must be open to learning new things (e.g. in computer science).
• An ideal candidate is excited by the possibility of applying algebraic methods (e.g. in computational commutative algebra or homological algebra) to problems in Artificial Intelligence, specifically in machine learning and machine reasoning.
• Candidates with strong algebraic backgrounds are prioritized.

Interested candidates should submit a current CV and copies of academic transcripts (from both undergraduate and post-graduate studies), as well as arrange for one reference letter. The candidate should ideally start by August 2022, but the starting date is negotiable. Any queries can be sent directly to Ernest Chong (ernest_chong@sutd.edu.sg ) with the email subject header "AI Research Fellow position for project on algebraic machine reasoning".