Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Computer Science: Reliable What-If Analysis of Intelligent Networks

Northeastern University London

Northeastern University London Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Computer Science

Reliable What-If Analysis of Intelligent Networks

Funded PhD Project (UK or International Students)

Funding provider: Northeastern University London (NU London)

Project start date: October 2026

Supervisors (lead):

• Osvaldo Simeone (Northeastern University London)
• Huiling Zhu (University of Kent)

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Computer Science

As part of a major investment, Northeastern University London (NU London) has multiple, fully-funded PhD studentships available to accelerate its interdisciplinary research in the humanities, social sciences and digital sciences. Each scholarship is fully-funded for three and a half years (UKRI rates) and includes fees, an annual stipend, an additional London allowance and associated costs, such as training.

NU London is both a UK university governed by UK higher education regulations, and the European campus of Northeastern University – a large, top-tier research intensive, Boston-based institution. Founded in 1898, Northeastern received $230.7m of external research funding in 2022, and is the recognized leader in experience-driven lifelong learning. It has campuses across the United States and Canada... [abridged for brevity, full details in text]

The Project

How can we design statistically reliable frameworks for what-if analysis in intelligent, agentic networks—combining causal inference, conformal prediction, and agent-environment modeling—to ensure trustworthy decision support and debugging of autonomous control systems? The PhD will develop a unified framework for reliable counterfactual analysis in intelligent networks, combining tools from causal inference, agentic AI, and statistical learning.

The successful candidates will:

• Have a proven, strong educational background in computer science or a related subject (see eligibility criteria)
• Be excited and inspired by the proposed project area
• Be a self starter
• Have good communication skills
• Have an inquiring mind and be willing to challenge themselves

The successful candidates will benefit from a brand new campus on the banks of the River Thames next to Tower Bridge. This is an interdisciplinary, vibrant research environment with international collaboration and networking opportunities and dedicated research space. It will form the hub of a highly experienced, multi-institution supervisory team from NU London and the University of Kent.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in May 2026. Candidates are welcome to contact the NU London supervisor with informal enquiries before the application deadline: 1/4/2026 (o.simeone@nulondon.ac.uk)

Eligibility

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject - 2:1 or 1st (essential)
• Master’s degree in a relevant subject (optional)

English Language requirements:

If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with a score of at least 6.5 in each individual component) or equivalent.

Nationality

Applications are open to UK and international students. Please indicate if you are likely to require a visa on your application. We are unable to support visa costs

Funding

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees, an annual stipend and an additional London allowance (set at UKRI rates) for 3.5 years.

How to Apply

Applications should be made via the above 'Apply' button by 23:59 on 01 April 2026. Please reference your application “R138405”.

Please upload a CV and a Covering Letter stating how you meet the requirements and why you are interested in the proposed research project

Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary.

Qualification Type:	PhD
Location:	London
Funding for:	UK Students, EU Students, International Students
Funding amount:	Fully Funded
Hours:	Full Time
Placed On:	26th February 2026
Closes:	1st April 2026
Reference:	R138405