PhD Robust & eXplainable AI for flash flood prediction model

10 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Luxembourg

Research Field

Computer science » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Luxembourg

Application Deadline

8 Mar 2024 - 01:13 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

About the SnT

SnT is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services. We play an instrumental role in Luxembourg by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent.

The University of Luxembourg seeks to hire outstanding researchers at its Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT), in the SERVAL team under Dr. Michail Papadakis (http://wwwfr.uni.lu/snt/research/serval ). SnT is carrying out interdisciplinary research in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services, often in collaboration with industrial, governmental or international partners. SnT is active in several international research projects funded by national, European and international research programmes (e.g., FNR, Horizon Europe). For further information you may check: https://www.uni.lu/snt

We're looking for people driven by excellence, excited about innovation, and looking to make a difference. If this sounds like you, you've come to the right place!

Your Role

Europe is facing an increasing number of flash flood disasters due to climate change. Due to prevailing land-use limitations hindering the application of traditional flood protection methods, innovative strategies are essential to effectively address risks associated with pluvial and fluvial flash floods. Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents unprecedented capabilities for predicting floods, assessing their impact, and facilitating timely activation of emergency response services. Despite the existence of state-of-the-art flash flood forecast models, ensuring the trustworthiness of developed and deployed models in terms of robustness and transparency (explainability) is crucial. In this context (i) robustness refers to the model's capacity to withstand unexpected disturbances, such as defective sensors or data drift, which could lead to mispredictions, and consequently result in incorrect emergency procedures; (ii) transparency (explainability) is equally important, as the deployed system must provide explanations to emergency response decision-makers, detailing why the model predicts a flash flood event and potentially suggesting a specific emergency procedure.

The PhD student will undertake the following tasks: (i) conduct a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art to gauge the extent of robustness and transparency (explainability); (ii) implement state-of-the-art flash flood models to assess their robustness and explainability levels; (iii) design, implement, and evaluate/validate an innovative approach to enhance the robustness and explainability of flash flood models; (iv) evaluate and validate the approach using real-life data collected by the different regions (cities) involved in the FlashFloodBraker project (funded through the EU Interreg NWE Programme, encompassing 5 countries). Collaboration with other universities, such as the University of Liège and Aachen University, is anticipated.

Your Profile

The expected PhD candidate should have:

• A Computer Science background
• Expertise in Machine Learning, Deep Learning
• Expertise in eXplainable AI and Robust AI (adversarial AI) is a plus
• Good programming skills (python, Java…)
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory
• Commitment, team working and a critical mind

Here's what awaits you at SnT

• A stimulating learning environment. Here post-docs and professors outnumber PhD students. That translates into access and close collaborations with some of the brightest ICT researchers, giving you solid guidance
• Exciting infrastructures and unique labs. At SnT's two campuses, our researchers can take a walk on the moon at the LunaLab, build a nanosatellite, or help make autonomous vehicles even better
• The right place for IMPACT. SnT researchers engage in demand-driven projects. Through our Partnership Programme, we work on projects with more than 55 industry partners
• Multiple funding sources for your ideas. The University supports researchers to acquire funding from national, European and private sources
• Competitive salary package. The University offers a 12 month-salary package, over six weeks of paid time off, meal vouchers and health insurance
• Be part of a multicultural family. At SnT we have more than 60 nationalities. Throughout the year, we organise team-building events, networking activities and more
• Boost your career. Students can take advantage of several opportunities for growth and career development, from free language classes to career resources and extracurricular activities

But wait, there's more!

• Complete picture of the perks we offer
• Discover our Partnership Programme

How to apply

Applications should be submitted online and include:

• Curriculum Vitae (including your contact address, work experience, publications)
• Cover letter indicating your motivation and expected starting date (could depend on your ongoing formation)
• Contact information for 1 or 2 referees (incl., email + phone of your contacts)

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

Requirements
Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University of Luxembourg

Country

Luxembourg

City

Luxembourg

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=UmVjcnVpdGluZy4wNTEwOS45OTA4QHVuaXZlcnNpdHlvZmx1…

Contact

Phone

STATUS: EXPIRED