The Department of Computer Science at Aalborg University has a fully-funded PhD position available. The candidate will be working on formal verification of neural-network control policies. The earliest starting date is September 1, 2025, but a later date can be negotiated.

The Department of Computer Science features a broad range of synergistic activities within research and education in the general area of computer science, including curiosity-driven research and targeted research in collaboration with industrial partners, traditional university education with a unique problem- and project-based focus, and continued education and knowledge dissemination.

Job description

The project addresses the fundamental question of how to trust a neural network that controls a dynamical system. Since neural networks are large black boxes, we need both automatic methods to analyze such systems and human-interpretable certificates of the analysis results. We will devise automatic and sound methods to respectively certify correctness and incorrectness of neural-network controllers. We will also develop a framework that integrates these methods for constructing correct-by-design controllers. Methodologically, we will investigate how traditional computer-science techniques for verification and falsification as well as machine learning can be tailored to these goals. This way, the project lays the grounds toward safe AI control systems.

The candidate will be part of the Distributed, Embedded and Distributed Systems research group: https://www.cs.aau.dk/research/distributed-embedded-intelligent-systems/

Applicants must have a Master’s degree in computer science or a closely related field such as mathematics or control engineering. Due to the project’s angle, applicants should have a strong background in at least one of the following areas: formal methods, machine learning. Additional knowledge and experience within the following areas are appreciated: formal verification, deep learning, dynamical systems, control theory. Excellent spoken and written communication skills in English are expected.

Application

An application must contain:

1. A cover letter of max. 2 pages (excl. references), including (i) motivation for applying, (ii) preferred starting date, and (iii) an explanation of the applicant’s background and suitability for the position
2. A CV
3. Diplomas and transcripts of records (both BSc and MSc)

Interested applicants are welcome to contact Associate Professor Christian Schilling (christianms@cs.aau.dk) regarding the scientific aspects of the position.

PhD stipends are allocated, normally for a period of 3 years, to individuals who hold a Master's degree. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure, please contact Ms. Annemarie Davidsen, the Doctoral School at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, email: ada@adm.aau.dk.

Do you have any questions? 

If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

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Further information  

We recommend that you save a copy of the job posting, as it will be removed once the application deadline has passed.  

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not. 

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

The application is only to be submitted online by using the "Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

Agreement

Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 28 June 2019 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular of 11 December 2019 on the employment structure at Danish universities.

Read more about The Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design

Salary and terms of employment

The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish). 

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish). 

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.

Contacts

• Associate Professor: Christian Schilling: christianms@cs.aau.dk
• PhD HR, Annemarie Davidsen: ada@adm.aau.dk

Ref number

2025/234

Deadline

13.07.2025