"PhD Candidate in Explainable AI for Multimodal Foundation Models (FIND project)"

Do you want to shape the future of trustworthy AI and work at the intersection of foundation models, multimodal data, and explainability? This PhD project offers you the chance to develop novel AI methods that make powerful models more transparent, robust, and usable in critical domains such as healthcare and smart industry. You will be part of a large national ‘Perspectief’ program Foundation Models for Industry (FIND), collaborating with leading Dutch universities, knowledge institutes, and industry partners.

The FIND project
Foundation for Industry (FIND) – Large AI Models for a Resilient High-Tech Industry – is a 6-year nationally funded programme uniting 5 Dutch universities, 2 knowledge institutes, and 11 industrial partners. Its aim is to develop and apply foundation models tailored to Dutch industry needs, focusing on underserved modalities (e.g. sensor data, time series, multimodal signals) and edge applications. The consortium develops an open-source toolbox of models, code, and validated outputs to strengthen the competitiveness of the Dutch high-tech sector.

The PhD Candidate Position
You will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Suzan Verberne and Dr. Niki van Stein at the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), Leiden University. The focus is on explainability for multimodal foundation models, combining information-theoretic approaches (e.g., information bottleneck) with cross-modal modelling of time series and sensor data. The project will also explore signal-to-text generation for human-readable explanations of complex sensor outputs and mechanistic interpretability for multimodal foundation models.

Key responsibilities
Perform PhD research on the above topics and publish in top venues;
Collaborate closely with the other FIND fellows and industrial partners;
Disseminate results via publications, open-source software, and presentations;
Assist in relevant teaching activities.

Selection Criteria
MSc degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or related field;
Solid background in machine learning, deep learning and foundation models such as Large Language Models;
Strong programming skills (Python/C++);
Proven interest in generative models and Explainable AI is a plus;
Analytical and creative mindset, with the ability to work independently and in teams;
Excellent command of English; willingness to work in an international, multi-sector environment;
Good collaboration skills, also in interdisciplinary settings.

Research at our faculty
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and almost 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS)
LIACS is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute in the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT in Business, Media Technology, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, we are one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow.

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time 1 year term position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary ranges from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school. Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.