WASP AI Program: PhD position in 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 computational science with a specialization in mathematical statistics, focused on the intersection between optimization, machine learning and functional data analysis. The position is for four years of doctoral studies, including participation in research and postgraduate courses. The last day to apply is June 20, 2023.

Project description and tasks
The primary objective of this project is to address key challenges in functional data analysis, with a specific focus on statistical testing in the presence of misalignment. We aim to devise innovative methodologies rooted in optimization theory and machine learning algorithms. The focus is on creating autonomous, robust methods capable of performing intricate statistical analysis in the face of domain distortion. Importantly, these methods will prioritize computational efficiency, facilitating their use in large scale real-time data processing scenarios. In practical terms, our project is poised to deliver significant impact across a range of domains. In medical imaging, we aim to enhance both the accuracy and efficiency of disease detection algorithms by improving how they handle misalignment. In the biomechanical sphere, we hope to enable more precise tracking of movement, with potential benefit to areas such as sports performance and rehabilitation. Finally, for signal processing, the project has the potential to advance pattern identification in time-series data, notably in sensor data analysis and anomaly detection.

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 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 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, R or Python) are required. Good knowledge of the English language, both written and spoken, is a key requirement. Documented knowledge and experience in optimization, functional data analysis 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 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 an 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 June 20, 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 position and describe how your qualifications and merits are relevant to the doctoral project.
• 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’s thesis has not been completed before the application deadline, a summary of the master’s 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. 

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/ 

Further information
Further information is provided by Alp Yurtsever (alp.yurtsever@umu.se), Sara Sjöstedt de Luna (sara.sjostedt.de.luna@umu.se) and Konrad Abramowicz (konrad.abramowicz@umu.se). You can also contact the head of the department Åke Brännström (ake.brannstrom@umu.se) for additional questions.

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