PhD position in learning theory for deep neural networks - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics at Umeå University is opening a PhD position in mathematical statistics, focused on learning theory for deep neural networks. The position is for four years of doctoral studies which include both participation in research and postgraduate courses. Last day to apply is March 9, 2022.

Project description and tasks
Deep neural networks (DNNs) have revolutionized machine learning and artificial intelligence in the past few years. A mathematical theory of DNNs is rapidly developing to explain their success and guide the practitioners. Central to this theory is the generalization power of DNNs, which governs their performance on unseen data. Empirical risk minimization (ERM) is the prevalent theoretical framework for quantifying the generalization of DNNs, whereby the complexity of the hypothesis class of all DNNs with the same architecture is measured by its Rademacher complexity, VC dimension, or a similar notion of complexity. 

Broadly speaking, the objective of this doctoral project is to advocate for a new theory of learning for neural networks that will address the fundamental shortcomings of the above-mentioned complexity measures, such as their often worst-case dependence on the hypothesis class and the data distribution. This project crucially aims to introduce a new notion of complexity for DNNs, and to potentially explore its applications in AI, including medical imaging, automated quality control, and self-driving cars, evaluated on both simulated and real data. The student is also expected to join the collaborations from our ongoing AI-related projects.

Qualifications
To fulfil the general entry requirements, the applicant must have qualifications equivalent to a completed degree at second-cycle level, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits including at least 60 ECTS credits at second-cycle level. To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in mathematical statistics, the applicant is required to have completed at least 60 ECTS credits within the fields of mathematical statistics, statistics and mathematics, of which at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level. Applicants who in some other system either within Sweden or abroad have acquired largely equivalent skills are also eligible.

Excellent programming skills (preferably MatLab, Python or R) and good knowledge of English language, both written and spoken, are strict requirements. Documented knowledge and experience in signal processing and image analysis are desirable.

You are expected to play an active role in this interdisciplinary cooperation and have a scientific and result-oriented approach for your work. You should therefore have very good communication and collaboration abilities. You are structured, flexible and solution-oriented.

The assessments of the applicants are based on their qualifications and their ability to benefit from the doctoral-level education they will receive.

Applicants with a degree not from a Swedish university are encouraged to provide results obtained from GMAT (and/or GRE) and TOEFL/IELTS tests if available.

About the employment
The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree and the main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies which include both participation in research and postgraduate courses. The duties can include teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%). The employment is limited to four years of full-time (48 months) or up to five years if teaching part-time. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary ladder for PhD positions. The employment starts in the spring of 2022 or according to agreement.

Application
You apply in our e-recruitment system Varbi. Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. The deadline for applications is March 9, 2022. A complete application should contain the following documents:

• a personal letter with a brief description of your qualifications and your research interests. Motivate why you are applying for the employment and describe how your qualifications and merits are relevant to the employment.
• a curriculum vitae.
• certified copies of diplomas or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses, grades obtained, and possibly other certificates.
• copies of relevant work such as Master’s thesis or articles that you have authored or co-authored.
• contact information for at least two reference persons.

The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics takes equal opportunities questions seriously. We value the qualities that an even gender distribution brings to the department, and therefore we in particular encourage female applicants. 

The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (chapter 12, 2§) and the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed.

Further information
Further information is provided by assistant professor Armin Eftekhari, armin.eftekhari@umu.se. You can also contact the head of department Åke Brännström, ake.brannstrom@umu.se, for additional questions,

For more information about the department, see:
https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-mathematics-and-mathematical-statistics/

We look forward to receiving your application!