PhD Position: Software Architecture for Neuro-Symbolic AI

14 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)

Research Field

Technology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

7 Jun 2024 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

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

Are you an experienced and passionate Computer Science researcher with a track record in software engineering or artificial intelligence? Do you want to contribute and collaborate to shape the future of human-centric computing models and applications with an eye on society? Then keep reading, this fully-funded PhD position at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam(VU) may be for you!
With the current hype around generative AI and large language models (LLMs), one approach to partly mitigate the lack of common-sense reasoning of systems relying solely on machine learning (ML) is neuro-symbolic AI, i.e., synergistically combining the neural AI tradition via deep learning and artificial neural networks and the symbolic AI tradition via knowledge representation and reasoning. The vision of this combination is to gain the advantages of both worlds.
The Learning and Reasoning group and the Software and Sustainability group are looking for a joint PhD student in the field of software architecture for neuro-symbolic AI. The project will investigate how this unique combination of deep learning and symbolic reasoning AI methods influences important requirements like maintainability, evolvability, explainability, reliability, performance efficiency, or environmental sustainability. Taking a system perspective that is shaped by quality attribute trade-offs, the PhD student will develop and evaluate software architecture design techniques to support practitioners building such systems. To bridge the gap between these two fields, the PhD student will be supported by one supervisor with extensive AI expertise (Dr. Filip Ilievski) and one supervisor with extensive SE expertise (Dr. Justus Bogner).
Your duties

• shape and refine the indicated research topic according to your interests
• conduct research on the indicated topic using a variety of research methods
• publish the results as scientific papers in prestigious SE and / or AI venues
• attend suitable conferences to present the research
• support BSc / MSc teaching and supervision activities in the department

Requirements
Specific Requirements

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.
We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

• a strong MSc degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a related field
• at least foundational knowledge in both SE and AI, but more advanced knowledge in one of the two areas is expected
• solid programming abilities, e.g., in Python
• excellent communication skills in English (verbal and written)
• motivated team player that shows initiative to drive their own research
• experience with foundational language models is a bonus
• experience with neuro-symbolic AI is a bonus
• experience with empirical research methods is a bonus
• prior publications are a bonus
• industry experience (especially with ML-enabled systems) is a bonus

Additional Information
Benefits

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 2.770,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.539,00 (PhD) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile PhD candidate. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for at least 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 18 months. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended to a total duration of 4 years.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• a full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

Additional comments

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application and upload your curriculum vitae, list of Master's grades, and cover letter until June 7, 2024.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/341475/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Country

Netherlands

City

Amsterdam

Postal Code

1081HV

Street

De Boelelaan 1111

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/341475/phd-position-software-architecture-f…

Contact

City

Amsterdam

Website

http://www.vu.nl/

Street

De Boelelaan 1105

Postal Code

1081 HV

STATUS: EXPIRED