PhD Position Embedded AI Diagnosis Delft • TU Delft

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The PhD will work towards analyzing explainable AI (XAI) techniques and designing explainable AI methods for diagnosing embedded AI models. They will focus on analyzing the state-of-the-art model-specific (e.g., integrated gradient) and model-free (e.g., counterfactual instances) XAI methods to identify robustness issues through causal analysis of relevant feature in model behavior. To that end, they will develop principled approaches and practical tools for diagnosing what knowledge the embedded ML model needs thus clearing the roadblock for robust AI. As part of the effort, they will design representation of knowledge of embedded AI and develop a reasoning engine to infer the unknowns of an embedded AI model. The expected results include 1) a human-in-the-loop knowledge extraction approach for describing AI knowledge in semantic concepts and for specifying required mechanisms in specific tasks; 2) a proof-of-concept of proposed diagnosis tool in the selected embedded AI domains.

The successful PhD candidate should:

• Have an MSc in Computer Science, or a closely related field;
• Have demonstrated competencies in one or more of these domains: Crowd Computing, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Data Science, Human Computer Interaction;
• Have strong interest and/or experience conducting empirical and theoretical research;
• Be self-motivated and enjoy research;
• Be a team player;
• Have good communication skills in Engligh.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.​​​​​​​

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2901 per month in the first year to € 3707 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Jie Yang, Assistant Professor, via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina..

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 29 Jun 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Motivation Letter,
• CV,
• a (part of your) M.Sc. thesis or a paper that you have written, in which you demonstrate your writing (and scientific) skills.

Please highlight in your motivation letter and/or CV examples of projects and achievements that demonstrate your relevant competences.

Please also include names and contact details of two references when applicable.    

You can address your application to Dr. Jie Yang, Assistant Professor.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.