PhD Position in Learning Theory for Model-Based Reinforcement Learning

The Data Science and Statistics Group, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (IMADA) at the University of Southern Denmark invites applications for a paid PhD research fellowship position within the field of probabilistic machine learning to be filled earliest by 1 June 2022 for a period of three years. Application deadline: 1 April 2022.

The research project aims to develop new mathematical concepts for learning-theoretic analysis of model-based reinforcement learning algorithms. The analytical results derived from these concepts are meant to deepen our understanding of the characteristics of these algorithms, identify their bottlenecks, unravel their strengths, hence guide the development of the next-generation reinforcement learning algorithms. The project is funded by a prestigious domestic grant.

IMADA has the unique feature of bringing mathematicians and computer scientists together within a single department to foster theoretically well-backed high-quality data science research. IMADA is home to many ongoing externally funded research projects, as well as to a rich curriculum of data science courses. Data Science and Statistics Group is a synergy platform for the data science experts in IMADA.

We are seeking candidates with a strong desire to make significant contributions to science, specific interest in basic machine learning research, and an outstanding theoretical background in machine learning, Bayesian/causal inference, and reinforcement learning demonstrated by excellent course grades and by scientific publications at major international peer-reviewed venues of core machine learning basic research. Strong scientific programming skills demonstrated by contributions to public code repositories or released source code from the candidate’s own publications are a big plus. We also expect from the candidates excellent spoken and written communication skills in English. The successful candidate will develop a PhD thesis by taking part in basic research projects and fulfil teaching assistantship duties.

Candidates are expected to have a Master's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Theoretical Physics or related areas at the time of the commencement of employment. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate that they have passed at least two Master’s level courses that cover advanced machine learning topics with a grade that corresponds to top 10% success within the native grade scale.

Place of work:
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science is located at the main campus of the University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.

The University of Southern Denmark was founded in 1966 and now has more than 27,000 students, almost 20% of whom are from abroad. It has more than 3,800 employees, and 115 different study programmes in the fields of the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, and engineering. Its main campus is located in Odense, the third largest city in Denmark.

Odense provides family-friendly living conditions with the perfect combination of a historic city centre with an urban feel and yet a close proximity to beaches and recreational areas. Its location on the beautiful island of Funen is ideal with easy access by train or highway to the bigger cities of Aarhus and Copenhagen. As the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark’s famous fairytale author, the city is home to a vibrant and creative population that hosts numerous festivals and markets throughout the year.

For further questions about the position please contact Associate Professor Melih Kandemir on [email protected].


Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Application must be made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:
• A research proposal/description of your approach to the above project (max one page excluding references)
• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) (please attach this under box "Application form")
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades
• At least two signed reference letters. Should your referees wish to send their letters directly to us, please have them use e-mail: [email protected] mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject line. And please note that these also need to reach us before deadline.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply online". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF or Word format. Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply before you apply.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.