WASP AI Program: PhD position in Mathematical statistics or Computational science and Engineering - 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 or computational science with a specialization in mathematical statistics, focused on the interplay between optimization and machine learning. The position is for four years of doctoral studies, including participation in research and postgraduate courses. The last day to apply is March 8, 2023.

Project description and tasks
The connection between optimization and machine learning is at the heart of many recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. A large number of machine learning applications are modeled as optimization problems, and as problems become more and more complex, new optimization methods are needed. This PhD project aims to advance the field of optimization and machine learning by developing new techniques and algorithms. The project adopts an integrated perspective that combines modeling and optimization. The research will focus on using operator splitting, stochastic approximation, and randomized linear algebra to create new methods that are well-suited for high-dimensional problems and will apply these techniques to various areas, such as deep neural networks and federated learning.

The project is part of the AI/MLX track of the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems, and Software Program (WASP), and the PhD student will be enrolled in the WASP graduate school. See https://wasp-sweden.org/graduate-school/ for more information.

Qualifications
The PhD student will be admitted to third-cycle studies in either mathematical statistics (MS) or computational science and engineering (CSE) with specialization in mathematical statistics.

To be admitted for studies at the third-cycle level, the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at the second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.

For third-cycle studies in mathematical statistics, the applicant is required to have completed at least 60 credits within the field of mathematical statistics, statistics and mathematics, of which at least 15 credits shall have been acquired at the second-cycle level. 

For third-cycle studies in CSE, the applicant is required to have completed at least 90 credits in CSE courses, of which at least 30 credits shall have been acquired at the second-cycle level. CSE courses refer to courses with major quantitative, statistical or computing science elements, such as courses in computing science, mathematics and mathematical statistics. 

Applicants who, in some other system either within Sweden or abroad, have acquired largely equivalent skills are also eligible.

Good programming skills (preferably MatLab or Python) are required. Good knowledge of the English language, both written and spoken, is a key requirement. Documented knowledge and experience in optimization and machine learning are merits.

You are expected to play an active role in developing this doctoral project and in the department. You are expected to have a scientific and result-oriented approach to your work. You should therefore have good communication and collaboration ability. You are structured, flexible, and solution-oriented.

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

About the employment
The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree. The main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, including participation in research and doctoral courses, and to take part in the WASP graduate school. The duties can include teaching and other departmental work (up to 20%). The employment is limited to the equivalent of four years of full-time (48 months) or up to five years for teaching part-time. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary levels for PhD positions. The employment starts in the fall of 2023 or according to agreement.

Application
You apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. The deadline for applications is March 8, 2023.

A complete application should contain the following documents:

• a personal letter with a brief description of your qualifications and 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,
• authenticated copies of degree certificates, 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 you have authored or co-authored. If the master thesis has not been completed before the application deadline, a summary of the master thesis project and current progress shall be included. The summary can be at most five pages, including figures and references (font size 11).
• Your GMAT (or GRE) and TOEFL/IELTS test scores, if available.
• contact information for at least two reference persons.

The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics values ​​the qualities that an even gender distribution brings to the department, and therefore we particularly encourage female applicants.

Pursuant to Chapter 12 Section 2 of the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1993:100), the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed. 

Further information
Further information is provided by Assistant Professor Alp Yurtsever, alp.yurtsever@umu.se and Associate Professor Tommy Löfstedt, tommy.lofstedt@umu.se. You can also contact the head of the department Åke Brännström for additional questions at ake.brannstrom@umu.se.

More information about the department: https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-mathematics-and-mathematical-statistics/

The Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP)
Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) is Sweden’s largest individual research program ever, a major national initiative for strategically motivated basic research, education and faculty recruitment. The program addresses research on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems acting in collaboration with humans, adapting to their environment through sensors, information and knowledge, and forming intelligent systems-of-systems.

The vision of WASP is excellent research and competence in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software for the benefit of the Swedish industry.

Read more: https://wasp-sweden.org/ 

The graduate school within WASP is dedicated to providing the skills needed to analyze, develop, and contribute to the interdisciplinary area of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software. Through an ambitious program with research visits, partner universities, and visiting lecturers, the graduate school actively supports forming a strong multi-disciplinary and international professional network between PhD-students, researchers and industry.

Read more: https://wasp-sweden.org/graduate-school/