PhD in Artificial Intelligence and Mathematics for Cognitive Devices (1.0 FTE)

The implementation and design of cognitive devices holds significant promises for the future, in terms of energy efficiency and new computational approaches. At the same time, significant challenges remain.

In the project, we will develop new artificial intelligence methods aligning learning and reasoning for the design of cognitive devices.

The project builds on expertise at the Bernoulli institute of Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. The Artificial Intelligence department contributes theoretical and experimental research on the alignment of knowledge-based and data-driven methods in artificial intelligence. The Mathematics department is actively investigating the interpretation of data using innovative statistical methods (in particular Bayesian networks).

The objective of the four-year position is that the candidate acquires unique expertise in this research area and performs original and solid work that can lead to a number of research articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference proceedings, which together will form the basis of a thesis leading to a PhD degree (Dr) at the University of Groningen.

The project is connected to a second PhD project on the implementation and design of cognitive devices, with a focus on material science.

Organisation
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 34,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global centre of knowledge.

Within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, a 4-years PhD position is available Bernoulli institute of Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. The project is part of the Groningen Cognitive Systems and Materials Center (CogniGron). The candidate will work under the supervision of Prof Marco Grzegorczyk and Prof Bart Verheij.

The successful candidate should:

• have a keen interest in pursuing fundamental and interdisciplinary research at the interface of artificial intelligence and statistics for cognitive hardware design
• have a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant topic (artificial intelligence, mathematics, statistics)
• have good skills and/or strong interest in mathematics and programming.

We offer you, following the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• a salary of € 2,770 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,539 gross per month in the fourth and final year for a full-time working week
• a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% year-end bonus
• a full-time position (1.0 FTE). The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.