Doctoral candidate in Applied Artificial Intelligence

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services.

As the successful candidate, you will primarily contribute to a partnership project with ESM, the European Stability Market, located in Luxembourg. The successful candidate will join the Security, Reasoning and Validation (Serval) research group and work on a research project related to the application of machine learning for official statistics. The subjects of the research are: AI-assisted Bond Issuance, Causal Methods for Enhanced Market Intelligence, Automated Market Research Summaries via RAG-enabled AI.

Successful PhD candidates will extensively explore and analyse the suitability and potential benefits of new-generation AI (in particular Large Language Models and Agentic AI systems) in these tasks. These investigations include the feasibility, practicality and success evaluation of prototype implementations. More generally, the PhD thesis is part of a large initiative at Serval and SnT, which aims to support the reliable deployment of machine learning systems by providing industry actors with practical tools.

The team you will be working with: Dr. Maxime Cordy, Sylvain Kubler, Dr. Mike Papadakis.

The position holder will be required to perform the following tasks: Software engineering practices for machine learning, Tabular machine learning, Large language models on structured and semi-structured data.

PhD Student Role: Under the direction of their supervisor, the candidate will carry out research activities and write a thesis with the main goal of obtaining a PhD in the area of machine learning. This includes conducting literature surveys and establishing state-of-the-art; developing necessary experimental and simulation facilities where required; planning, executing, and analyzing experiments and simulations; conducting joint and independent research activities; contributing to project deliverables, milestones, demonstrations, and meetings; disseminating results at international scientific conferences/workshops and peer reviewed scientific publications.

Your profile: Master in Computer Science. Major in machine learning or software engineering is an asset. Strong programming skills. Strong analytical skills. Industry experience in information and communication technology will be considered as an advantage. Commitment, team working, a critical mind, and motivation are skills that are more than welcome. Knowledge of both the basics and the latest developments of machine learning, in particular large language models and other generative AI models. Language Skills: Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are required. French is a plus.

We offer: Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the "University of the Greater Region" (UniGR). A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure. A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs…

How to apply: Applications should include: Curriculum Vitae, Cover letter, Research statement and topics of particular interest to the candidate (300 words). Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered. The University of Luxembourg is committed to achieving gender parity among its staff. Should candidates present equivalent profiles, preference will be given to female candidates in all departments where gender parity is not yet achieved. The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

General information: Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month, Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week, Location: Kirchberg Campus, Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher, Job Reference: UOL07766. The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 41976 (full time).