PhD in Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering

About the SnT

SnT is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services.

We play an instrumental role in Luxembourg by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent.

We're looking for people driven by excellence, excited about innovation, and looking to make a difference. If this sounds like you, you've come to the right place!

Your Role

As the successful candidate, you will primarily contribute to a partnership project with BGL - BNP Paribas, one of the major banks in Luxembourg.

The title of the project is "AI for AI" and it concerns the design of an AI 'metamodel' tool that will monitor and improve AI algorithms effectiveness and robustness, allowing their application to business-critical use cases at scale.

The objective of this project is to develop automated means to continuously monitor the performance of AI models (including NLP models) developed by BGL BNP Paribas and to determine when and how to retrain these models in order to improve their performance.

Achieving these objectives requires addressing crucial research challenges such as the definition of proper quality metrics across the bank's use cases, the identification and explaination of the limitations and blanks spots of the models, and the design of sustainable improvement mechanisms.

Overall, the project supports BGL BNP Paribas in scaling-up their AI and data science activities through ground-breaking research, thereby enabling the widespread dissemination of AI products and services throughout the bank.

The project is held in close collaboration with BGL-BNP Paribas and, as the successful candidate, you will be expected to program prototype tools showcasing the practical benefits of your research outcomes.

The supervision team you will be working with is :

• Maxime Cordy : research scientist at SeRVal
• Jacques Klein : chief scientist at TruX
• Tegawendé Bissyandé : chief scientist at TruX

You will be required to perform the following tasks :

• Carrying out research in the predefined areas
• Survey the scientific literature in the relevant research domains
• Disseminating results through scientific publications
• Communicate with stakeholders to collect requirements and report results
• Implement proof-of-concept software tools
• Contribute to the supervision of younger researchers (PhD students)
• Contribute to the acquisition of competitive research fundings

Your Profile

Qualification :

The candidate should possess a Master degree (or equivalent) in computer science with strong skills in software engineering, programming, and artificial intelligence, as well as good knowledge of computer science in general.

Experience : The ideal candidate should have some knowledge and / or experience in most of the following topics :

• Programming (Python is a must, Java is an asset)
• Data science, data engineering, data collection and storage
• Artificial intelligence, machine learning
• Natural Language Processing is a plus (but not mandatory)

Language Skills : Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory. French is an asset (but not mandatory).

Here's what awaits you at SnT

• A stimulating learning environment. Here post-docs and professors outnumber PhD students. That translates into access and close collaborations with some of the brightest ICT researchers, giving you solid guidance
• Exciting infrastructures and unique labs. At SnT's two campuses, our researchers can take a walk on the moon at the LunaLab, build a nanosatellite, or help make autonomous vehicles even better
• The right place for IMPACT. SnT researchers engage in demand-driven projects. Through our Partnership Programme, we work on projects with more than 55 industry partners
• Multiple funding sources for your ideas . The University supports researchers to acquire funding from national, European and private sources
• Competitive salary package . The University offers a 12 month-salary package, over six weeks of paid time off, meal vouchers and health insurance
• Be part of a multicultural family . At SnT we have more than 60 nationalities. Throughout the year, we organise team-building events, networking activities and more
• Boost your career . Students can take advantage of several opportunities for growth and career development, from free language classes to career resources and extracurricular activities

But wait, there's more!

• Complete picture of the perks we offer
• Discover our Partnership Programme

How to apply

Applications should be submitted online and include :

• Full CV, including list of publications
• The name (and email address, contact details) of three referees
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Research statement and topics of particular interest to the candidate (300 words)

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply formally through the HR system.

Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.