PhD student in Generative AI and Machine Learning
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We are looking for one PhD student working on generative AI/machine learning, with applications towards materials science. Generative machine learning models have emerged as a prominent approach to AI, with impressive performance in many application domains, including materials discovery. This development has a huge potential for societal impact, with applications in renewable energy, energy storage, electronics, medicine, sustainable manufacturing, etc.
The main focus for the advertised position is novel machine learning method development. However, you will be part of a larger cross-disciplinary research initiative involving both computer and material scientists, providing excellent opportunities for practical impact by taking the outputs from the developed machine learning models all the way to the materials discovery lab.
From the machine learning perspective, your research will be in the area of generative models, geometric machine learning, dynamical systems, and/or multi-modal learning. From the materials science perspective, our primary focus will be on ultra-thin, so-called, 2-dimensional materials. This class of materials has unique properties which make them promising candidates for next-generation electronic devices, energy storage systems, sensors, and catalysts. However, they also pose unique challenges from a machine learning perspective, calling for novel machine learning research that will push the boundaries beyond the current state-of-the-art.
As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20% of full-time. The work assignments also include actively contributing to the collaborative environment within which the project will be carried out.
Your qualifications
You have graduated at Master’s level in machine learning, computer science, or a related area that is considered relevant for the research topic of the project, or have completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses in the subject areas mentioned above. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.
A successful candidate should have excellent study results and a strong background in mathematics. The applicant should be skilled at implementing new models and algorithms in a suitable software environment, with documented experience. Experience in applying or developing machine learning models for atomistic systems (in chemistry or physics) is advantageous. The applicant should furthermore have a strong drive towards performing fundamental research; the ability and interest to work collaboratively; and strong communication skills. The applicant should be able to communicate freely in oral and written English
Your workplace
Linköping University is one of the leading AI institutions in Sweden. We have strong links to prominent national research initiatives, such as WASP and ELLIIT and you will have access to state-of-the-art computing infrastructure for machine learning, e.g. through Berzelius. Linköping University will also host a European AI Factory, as one of the seven sites across Europe selected in the first batch.
The advertised position is part of the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP), Sweden’s largest individual research program ever, a major national initiative for strategically motivated basic research, education and faculty recruitment. The program addresses research on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems acting in collaboration with humans, adapting to their environment through sensors, information and knowledge, and forming intelligent systems-of-systems. The vision of WASP is excellent research and competence in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software for the benefit of Swedish society and industry. Read more: https://wasp-sweden.org/
The graduate school within WASP is dedicated to providing the skills needed to analyze, develop, and contribute to the interdisciplinary area of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software. Through an ambitious program with research visits, partner universities, and visiting lecturers, the graduate school actively supports forming a strong multi-disciplinary and international professional network between PhD-students, researchers and industry. Read more: https://wasp-sweden.org/graduate-school/
Specifically, the position is part of a cross-disciplinary, so called, WASP-WISE NEST project. This position will be with the Division of Artificial Intelligence and Integrated Computer Systems (co-PI: Prof Fredrik Heintz).
We will strive for a tight collaboration between the involved project participants, including regular meetings and setting up a joint research space. As a PhD student in the project, you are expected to actively engage in the teamwork and contribute to this collaboration.
The employment
When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University
The employment has a duration of four years’ full-time equivalent. You will initially be employed for a period of one year. The employment will subsequently be renewed for periods of maximum duration two years at the time, depending on your progress through the study plan. The employment may be extended up to a maximum of five years, based on the amount of teaching and departmental duties you have carried out. Further extensions can be granted in special circumstances.
Starting date by agreement
Salary and employment benefits
The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.
More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.
Union representatives
Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.
Application procedure
Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than September 30, 2025.
Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.
We look forward to receiving your application!
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