The Machine Learning Section at the Department of Computer Science (DIKU) invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in developing resource efficient Machine Learning methods, with a focus on improving the environmental sustainability of deep learning methods. This PhD project is part of a European research consortium “SustainML”, and is financed by the European Research Council.
The start date is (expected to be) 1 November 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project
Data sets as well as deep learning models are constantly getting bigger, requiring exponentially increasing computational resources in the last few years. Consequently, the energy consumption and the corresponding carbon footprint of training deep learning systems have also grown considerably.
In this project, we aim to investigate resource-efficient machine learning methods. This can be at the level of developing novel algorithms, learning paradigms, or hardware optimization techniques that can result in reductions in the resources required when training and deploying Machine Learning pipelines. Methods that reduce the amount of required training data, labelling, energy consumption, and carbon costs are of particular interest.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates broadly within the field(s) of computer science with an interest in machine learning and environmental sustainability. Applicants can have a background in other related disciplines such as applied mathematics, signal processing and electrical engineering. Applicants from under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.
Our group and research- and what do we offer?
The Machine Learning Section is a part of the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen, and the ELLIS Unit Copenhagen (https://ellis.eu/). The department is heading 2 centers within Artificial Intelligence: the SCIENCE AI Center and the Pioneer Center within Artificial Intelligence. The University of Copenhagen was founded in 1479 and is the oldest and largest university in Denmark. It is often ranked as the best university in Scandinavia and consistently as one of the top places in Europe. Within computer science, it is ranked number 2 in the European Union according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2021.
The Department of Computer Science offers a friendly and thriving international research and working environment with opportunities to build up internationally competitive research groups. Copenhagen is one of the 10 most livable cities in the world with a rich culture within music, theater and associations. Life for families is made easy by a publicly supported daycare and health care system, dual career opportunities, maternity/parental leave and six weeks of paid annual vacation. International candidates may find information on living and working in Denmark here. Useful information is also available at The International Staff Mobility office (ISM) at the University of Copenhagen (link). ISM offers a variety of services to international researchers coming to and working at the University of Copenhagen.
Supervisory duties will be shared by Assistant Professor Raghavendra Selvan (raghav@di.ku.dk) and Professor Christian Igel, Department of Computer Science, igel@di.ku.dk.
The PhD programme
The programme is a three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme).
Qualifications needed for the PhD programme
To be eligible for the PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g., Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Design. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.
Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.
Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.
The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme
- Carry through an independent research project under supervision
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
- Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
- Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
- Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
- Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project
We are looking for the following qualifications:
- Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
- Relevant publications
- Relevant work experience
- Other relevant professional activities
- Good language skills
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Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include:
- Motivation letter of application (max. one page)
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
- Publication list (if possible)
- Reference letters (if available)
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is Monday 22 August 2022, 23:59 GMT +2.
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.
The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 37.
Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.
General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.
Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.
Info
Application deadline: 22-08-2022
Employment start: 01-11-2022
Working hours: Full time
Department/Location: Department of Computer Science