PhD on Trustworthy and Secure AI with Focus on OOD Detection

Are you eager to make a difference in the advancement of theoretical AI and deep learning in particular? Then this PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology might be for you.

Position PhD-student

Irène Curie Fellowship No

Department(s) Mathematics and Computer Science

FTE 1,0

Date off 01/12/2024

Reference number V32.7842

Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic PhD candidate to develop novel ideas to establish trust in deep learning models. Trustworthy AI is a major topic in machine learning, which is illustrated by the increasing number of initiatives to enforce AI systems to be more trustworthy. Although machine learning models typically perform well on input data they are trained on, they are less suited for indicating that they cannot provide a reliable prediction as the input is too different from the data they are trained on.

Our goal is to provide theoretically founded Out-Of-Distribution (OOD) methods as a stepping stone toward trustworthy machine learning models that know what they don’t know. We can distinguish different types of  OOD data, such as adversarial examples, near-OOD, and far-OOD. A challenge here is that, unlike for adversarial examples, we don’t have a mathematical framework (yet) for near-OOD and far-OOD data. The topic of OOD detection also links to explainable AI, whose exploration might be worthwhile to identify differences in the processing of in-distribution data and OOD data.

This project is a collaboration between the Data and AI cluster from TU/e and the industrial semiconductor company NXP. This gives the position a unique opportunity to experience and build a network in both academic industrial research.

The position is available from October 1st  and will be performed under the supervision of Profs. Wil Michiels (Security Group, NXP), and Sibylle Hess (Data and AI).

Job requirements

• A master's degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience in programming and empirical analysis in Deep Learning (e.g. in Python, PyTorch).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,872 max. €3,670).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact dr. Wil Michiels at wil.michiels@nxp.com. 

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.MCS@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of at least two academic references.
• Academic transcripts of your grades.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.