The Relational Machine Learning Group led by Rebekka Burkholz at the Helmholtz Center CISPA in Saarbrücken (Germany) has several open PhD positions for a 4 year program in association with an ERC Starting Grant called SPARSE-ML.

What it is about:

Deep learning continues to achieve impressive breakthroughs across disciplines and is a major driving force behind a multitude of innovations. For instance, it has helped computers convert text into images, assist in the design of new drugs, generate code, and even find fast matrix multiplication algorithms. Yet, it comes at considerable costs. It requires huge amounts of data to learn complex models that are difficult to interpret and are vulnerable to attacks.

The major goal of the Relational Machine Learning Lab is to alleviate these problems based on sound theoretical insights and broaden the applicability of deep learning across the natural sciences and biomedical domain.

Possible research topics during your PhD include:

• deep learning (theory and applications)
• sparse learning and modelling (e.g. lottery tickets)
• graph neural networks
• complex networks
• discrete probabilistic models
• robust learning algorithms
• meaningful applications:
  • molecular biology and genetics (in collaboration with domain experts at Harvard)
  • international food trade
  • etc.

What you have to offer:

• Master (or Bachelor) in related discipline (Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, …)
• We are particularly interested in candidates with affinity towards theory.
• Enthusiasm for research and curiosity for the inner workings of complex models.
• The working language is English. A command of German is not required.

What we offer:

All positions are fully funded and come with excellent working conditions, such as a competitive salary, social security, 30 days of vacation, spacious offices, and generous travel support. Participation in teaching is encouraged, but not required.

We are a small team with a flat management structure and a collaborative work culture. Everyone is welcome to engage in discussions and contribute to joint projects.

The starting dates of the positions are flexible. We are committed to providing a healthy work environment and fostering diversity and respectful interaction. We welcome applications by candidates from all backgrounds and also support non-standard careers.

Application:

Are you curious about some of the research topics and have some further questions? Feel free to drop us an e-mail (burkholz@cispa.de) to get in touch.

In general, we will accept applications until the position is filled. For guaranteed full consideration, please submit your documents by October 31, 2023 via this link and mention that you would like to work with Rebekka Burkholz in the cover letter.