Last application date

open until the vacancy is filled

Department

TW06 - Department of Electronics and Information Systems

Contract

Limited duration

Degree

Master of Science in Computer Science Engineering, Master of Science in Mathematics, Master of Science in Informatics, Master of Science in Computer Science, or similar

Occupancy rate

100%

Vacancy type

Research staff

Job description

The AI & Data Analytics (AIDA) group at Ghent University is seeking a motivated candidate for a fully funded four-year PhD student position in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Visualization.

Our group conducts internationally top research in AI, in the areas of machine learning and knowledge discovery. An overview of our group and research portfolio can be found at https://aida.ugent.be . We are looking for a candidate for the following project:

Machine learning & interactive visualization for single-cell data. Single-cell data allows us to study biological processes in detail. This project aims to enable more generic use of expert knowledge in machine learning and visualization for biological data. The project is a collaboration with the DAMBI research group (VIB & Ghent University; https://www.dambi.ugent.be/).

The research will be supervised by Prof. Jefrey Lijffijt  and Prof. Tijl De Bie of the AIDA group, and by Prof. Yvan Saeys of the DAMBI group. We are engaging international teams with a track record in world-leading research. AIDA is part of the Ghent University Internet Technology and Data Science Lab with over 300 researchers and the cross-university Flanders AI Research initiative. Funding comes from the ERC, FWO, and the Flemish government through Flanders AI Research.

Ghent University is a comprehensive internationally leading research-intensive university. English is the working language; knowledge of Dutch or French is not required. The university also offers a wide range of courses for skills professionalization. Ghent is a historical, vibrant, and internationally minded city in Belgium with 260k inhabitants.

One fully funded position as PhD student is available (1 year, which is extended until 4 years after positive evaluation after the first year). 

Job profile

Your Profile 

• You need to hold a relevant master’s degree (e.g., Master of Science in Computer Science Engineering, Master of Science in Mathematics, Master of Science in Informatics, Master of Science in Computer Science, or similar) with demonstrated first-class performance (e.g., outstanding grades, thesis result, or publications).
• Your English is fluent, both speaking and writing.
• Ideal candidates demonstrate mastery of the core aspects of machine learning:

• Fundamentals of probability and statistics
• Algorithm design, discrete/continuous optimisation
• Programming (in Python, C++/Java, JavaScript, …)

• Experience with data visualization, user interfaces, and/or cell biology is a plus.
• You are a team player with good networking and reporting skills.

How to apply

Interested?

Great! Applications may be sent by email to jefrey.lijffijt@ugent.be. Please include cover letter, CV, and contact details of 1 to 3 referees. Do not include reference letters, these will be solicited by us. Suitable candidates will be invited for an interview and may get a small assignment. The application deadline is May 31, 2022, but applications remain welcome until the position is filled. We offer you a flexible starting date, with a preference to start as soon as possible. For more information about the topic of the PhD itself, please contact us as well.