PhD student in Machine Learning, focusing on robustness in statistical learning theory Full-time

PhD Student in Machine Learning

Are you interested in working on robust methods for statistical learning theory with potential applications within medicine, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favourable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a PhD position at Uppsala University.

The Department of Information Technology holds a leading position in both research and education at all levels. We are currently Uppsala University's third largest department, having around 350 employees, including 120 teachers and 120 PhD students. Approximately 5,000 undergraduate students take one or more courses at the department each year.

At the Division of Systems and Control, we develop both theory and concrete tools to design systems that learn, reason, and act in the real world based on a seamless combination of data, mathematical models, and algorithms. Our research integrates expertise from control theory, machine learning, optimization, and network science, spanning diverse application domains such as energy systems, biomedical systems, neuroscience, and safety and security. The Division of Systems and Control enjoys a wide network of strong international collaborators all around the world.

Project description: In this project, the selected candidate will join us in conducting research in statistical learning, developing data-driven methods to learn models of large-scale signals and systems from data. There will be a strong focus on developing robust methods with mathematical guarantees, focusing on statistical and optimization properties with potential applications to cardiology and medicine. The exact details of the research project are decided in a dialogue between the doctoral student and the supervisor. The student will be part of the WASP graduate school.

The graduate school within WASP is dedicated to provide 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.

Duties: The doctoral student will devote their time mainly to graduate education. The rest of the duties may involve teaching at the department, including some administration, to at most 20%.

Requirements: To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must:

• hold a Master's (second-cycle) degree in engineering physics, electrical engineering, data analysis, computer science, applied mathematics or in a similar field, or
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master's level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

We are looking for candidates with:

• an interest in developing mathematical methods and machine learning models
• good communication skills with sufficient proficiency in oral and written English,
• an excellent academic track record
• proficiency in programming (preferably in Python), and
• personal characteristics, such as a high level of creativity, thoroughness, and/or a structured approach to problem-solving are essential

Additional qualifications: Experience and courses in one or more subjects are valued: statistical machine learning, optimization, deep learning and signal processing.

Application: The application must include:

1. a statement (at most 2 pages) of the applicant's motivation for applying for this position, including a self-assessment on why you would be the right candidate for this position;
2. a CV;
3. degrees and transcript of records with grades (translated to English or Swedish);
4. the Master's thesis (or a draft thereof, and/or some other self-produced technical or scientific text), publications, and other relevant documents;
5. references with contact information (names, emails and telephone number) and up to two letters of recommendation.

All applicants should state the earliest possible starting date of employment.

About the employment: The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date September 1, 2026 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Antônio Horta Ribeiro, email: antonio.horta.ribeiro@it.uu.se.

Please submit your application by May 19, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/1069.