PhD Position in Formal Methods and Machine Learning

Updated: 10 months ago
Deadline: 11 Jun 2023

Challenge: Reliability of systems controlled by neural networks. Change: Synergy between formal methods and machine learning. Impact: Novel formal methods for guaranteeing properties of neural-network controlled systems.

The main difference between offline verification and real-time monitoring of learned controllers, such as neural networks or deep reinforcement learning, is to identify when we can no longer guarantee verified system behavior and to repair guarantees. The challenge of this project is to develop scalable approaches for formally monitoring AI systems and adapting to the real-time changes.

You will conduct both theoretical and empirical research on real-time monitoring and verification of AI under the real-world uncertainties. We envision the project to have significant scientific impact in the intersection of formal methods and machine learning.

You will be part of the Algorithmics Group in the Department of Software Technology of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. As a PhD researcher, you will reinforce and extend the group’s expertise in the interdisciplinary field combining formal methods and machine learning. You will work in a dynamic and diverse environment of other PhD and postdoc researchers excited about making theoretical and algorithmic contributions in intelligent decision making.

To be the successful candidate, you should

  • have a Master’s degree in computer science, information/computer/software engineering, or mathematics,
  • have firm foundations in formal methods and algorithm design,
  • preferably have prior experience with machine learning or statistical analysis,
  • have strong programming skills,
  • have research mindset,
  • have collaborative attitude,
  • are proficient in written and spoken English.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service . This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme  for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values  and we actively engage  to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here  to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Anna Lukina , who will be the daily supervisor for this position.     

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before June 12, 2023, via the application button and upload:

  • (pdf 1) your academic CV, including at least one contact for reference;
  • (pdf 2) a motivation letter, including explanation of your motivation for this PhD role and interest in this project;
  • (pdf 3) your Master’s thesis or a paper that you have written, in which you demonstrate your writing (and scientific) skills;
  • (pdf 4) a transcript of your grades.

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.



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