PhD Stipend in Human-in-the-loop Data Mining and Deep Learning on Graph Data (16-22080)

PhD Stipend in Human-in-the-loop Data Mining and Deep Learning on Graph Data (16-22080)

At Center for Data Engineering, Science and Systems (DESS), Department of Computer Science, Aalborg University, one fully funded PhD scholarship is available within the Computer Science study programme, commencing on November 1, 2022, or shortly thereafter. The PhD student will be working on the broad area of graph data management, mining, systems, and machine learning on graphs. The project is funded by a Novo Nordisk Foundation RECRUIT grant ("Data Management, Algorithms, & Machine Learning for Emerging Problems in Large Networks – with Interdisciplinary Applications in Life & Health Sciences". NNF22OC0072415).The Department of  Computer Science features a broad range of synergistic activities within research and education in the general area of computer science, including curiosity‐driven research and targeted research in collaboration with industrial partners, as well as traditional university education, with a unique problem and project‐based focus, and continued education and knowledge dissemination.

Job description
Human‐in‐the‐loop Data Mining and Deep Learning on Graph Data: Graph data, e.g. social and biological networks, financial transactions, transportation systems, and telecommunication networks are pervasive in the natural world, where nodes are entities with features and edges represent relations among them. Various question‐answering (QA) and personal assistance systems, including chat bots, Watson Dialog (IBM), Alexa (Amazon), Siri (Google), Melody (Baidu’s virtual medical assistance) support interactive QA and dialogues with users over different types of data including graphs. These systems, however, suffer from several limitations: simple question answers, predefined set of questions for assistance, no explanation of answers, and less frequent update in their knowledge bases. Thus, it is critical to develop novel technology that can improve the overall experience and engagement of customers, such as to understand the user’s information needs, incorporate user’s implicit and explicit feedback into training data and deep learning models, assist in personalized QA and targeted query recommendations over graph data. The aim will be publishing several research papers at top‐tier datamining (KDD), data management (SIGMOD, PVLDB, ICDE), or machine learning (NeurIPS, AAAI) conferences based on the research works.
Within the area, the position comes with many freedoms in terms of the specific research direction, methodology, and approaches taking the specific project needs into consideration.
The selected candidate will be part of the Data Engineering, Science and Systems (DESS) research group, an ambitious and supportive research environment in which we study data engineering, data science, and data systems. Embracing the opportunities enabled by the ongoing, sweeping digitalization of societal, industrial, and scientific processes, we collaborate with our partners to create value from data, targeting the invention of purposeful artifacts, such as frameworks, algorithms, data structures, indexes, languages, and techniques, as well as tools, systems, and prototype software, typically either for proof-of‐concept or for the purpose of conducting empirical studies.
Requirements:
The applicants must have a master’s degree in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, or a closely related field. Due to the project’s interdisciplinary angle, the applicant must have a strong background in algorithm design, machine learning, and software development. Outstanding spoken and written communication skills in English are essential.
Application:
The application must contain:

A cover letter of max. 1 page, including (i) motivation for applying, (ii) preferred starting date (specifically if other than 1 November 2022), and (iii) a brief explanation of the applicant’s background.

A research statement (project description) roughly within the frame of ‘Graph Data Management, Mining, and Machine Learning on Graphs’ of max. 2 pages (excl. references). This description should outline the applicant’s thoughts and ideas on possible research directions within the context of the topic outlined above.

CV.

Diploma and transcripts of records.

Contact of two referees.

Other relevant information.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the project’s principal supervisor, Associate Professor Arijit Khan, Department of Computer Science, e‐mail: [email protected] , regarding the scientific aspects of the position. His research works can be found at https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=6Ym8k4AAAAJ&hl=en   and at https://dblp.org/pid/67/2933.html .
For more information of The Department of Computer Science: https://www.cs.aau.dk/  
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that subsequent to the deadline for applications the head of department supported by the chair of the assessment committee will select candidates for assessment. All applicants will be informed whether they will be assessed or not.
For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact Ms. Sofie P. Jensen, The Doctoral School at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, email: [email protected] , phone: +45 9940 3478.
For more information of The Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design: www.phd.tech.aau.dk

The application is only to be submitted online by using the "Apply online" button below.
AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

Agreement

Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 28 June 2019 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular of 11 December 2019 on the employment structure at Danish universities.

Vacancy number

16-22080

Deadline

26/09/2022

Apply online
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