PhD student in Systems Theory and Machine Learning Full-time

PhD Student in Systems Theory and Machine Learning

Are you interested in exploring the fundamental interplay between dynamical systems, statistical physics and machine learning, and using these insights to develop new methods, 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 aim of this project is to deepen the fundamental understanding of machine learning through the lens of optimal transport theory, systems theory, and statistical physics. Optimal transport is a key mathematical concept that allows us to understand notions like inference and sampling as dynamic processes of probability distributions. Building on the theoretical insights, we will develop new methods for machine learning and dynamical systems, including generative modeling and system identification, with applications in biomedical modeling, large-scale autonomous systems, computer vision, and AI for science. The exact details of the research project are decided in a dialogue between the doctoral student and the supervisor.

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%.

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

• hold a Master's (second-cycle) degree in applied mathematics, engineering mathematics, engineering physics, 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:

• a solid background and interest in mathematics,
• good communication skills with sufficient proficiency in oral and written English,
• a good academic record with high grades,
• proficiency in programming,
• personal characteristics, such as a high level of creativity, thoroughness, and/or a structured approach to problem-solving are essential

Experience and courses in one or more of the following subjects are particularly valued: Dynamical systems, measure theory, optimization, statistical machine learning.

The application must include:

1. a cover letter (at most one page), in English, briefly describing your motivation for applying for this position and the earliest possible employment date. The cover letter should include the heading Suitability for this position, containing 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.

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: Isabel Haasler, email: isabel.haasler@it.uu.se

Please submit your application by May 19, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/1073.