All the impressive achievements of deep learning only amount to curve fitting. Curve fitting can be very useful in narrow use cases, but it is brittle. It often breaks down when confronted with reality and its ever-changing nature. In most use cases, such as in healthcare or self-driving cars, robustness and adaptability are essential. That can only be achieved if artificial intelligence (AI) understands how the world works, and a big part of that is understanding cause and effect. Causal AI is a rapidly growing field that has already shown potential to improve robustness of models to covariance shift. We also need to understand causal mechanisms to answer the most interesting questions in medical decision-making, such as: what is the best treatment for me? Or who would benefit most from this treatment?

We are looking for a highly motivated and talented individual to join our research team as a PhD candidate. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of machine learning, causal inference, and AI. The primary focus of this PhD position is to develop novel algorithms and methodologies for inferring causal relationships from complex data in AI systems. This involves exploring causal models that can enhance the interpretability, robustness, and fairness of AI systems across various domains.

You will prepare a PhD dissertation and you will also present your research results in scientific publications and at (inter)national conferences. You will also participate in the 'Doctoral School of Sciences & Technology' and be part of the teaching team in the Department of Mathematics-Statistics. You will contribute limited to a teaching assignment.

The Data Science Institute (est. 2019) brings together over 150 researchers working in the broad field of data science across faculties and research groups at Hasselt University. DSI's main objective is to facilitate the data-driven future. We are committed to data-related challenges, fundamental innovations and applicable solutions.

More information: https://www.uhasselt.be/dsi

• You have a master's degree in data science, artificial intelligence, (bio)statistics, mathematics, computer science or engineering. (or equivalent)
  Final-year students are (likewise) encouraged to apply.
• You are comfortable using R or Python and proficient in common software programs, especially MS Office applications.
• You can work well independently.
• You are cooperative and can work well in teams.
• You take a pragmatic approach to seeking solutions.
• You are able to report clearly and regularly.
• You work accurately and pay attention to order and punctuality.
• You are enterprising and show initiative.
• You feel responsible for the tasks assigned to you.
• You are fluent in written and oral communication in English.

You will be appointed and paid as PhD student.
We offer you a PhD scholarship for 2 years. This is renewable for another 2 years after a positive interim evaluation.

The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.

Apply now
Apply up to 14.05.2024