PhD Student in Trustworthy Autonomous Systems and Explainable Artificial Intelligence

Deadline: 16.07.2024

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) has opened a full time (100%) position for a PhD student in Trustworthy Autonomous Systems and Explainable Artificial Intelligence at the Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI) located in the USI-SUPSI Campus in Lugano, within the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IDSIA). Contract starts December 1st, 2024, or date to be agreed upon.

Tasks

• Applied research within the European project AutoMotiF (Horizon EU 101147693), carried out in collaboration with the industrial partner DSP (Data and Systems Planning) in Manno (CH).
• Stochastic modeling, performance analysis, and verification of intelligent and integrated systems dedicated to logistics control of intermodal terminals.
• Development of tools and algorithms supporting agile and robust modelling of intelligent systems in the domain of interest.
• Development of domain-specific languages that enable rigorous specification of safety, security, reliability, and performance requirements.
• Development of artificial intelligence models and interfaces that support domain experts in specification, analysis, modeling, and verification of requirements and properties of interest.
• Managing interactions with the industrial partner DSP, with possible working periods in the company headquarters in Manno (CH) or other locations.
• Writing technical reports and scientific publications.
• Regular and active participation in project meetings in Switzerland and abroad, and in research dissemination activities at national and international conferences.

Requirements

• Master's degree in computer science, engineering, artificial intelligence, or related disciplines.
• Knowledge of the main programming languages (Python, Java, R, etc.) used in Artificial Intelligence.
• Solid competencies in stochastic modeling (e.g., Stochastic Petri Nets, Continuous Time Markov Chains, etc.) and control of intelligent systems; willingness to learn new formalisms and techniques.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English.
• Strong personal motivation and ambition to obtain significant results in research activities leading to publication of scientific articles in conference proceedings and high-level international journals.
• Autonomy, ability to organize and plan, aptitude for teamwork and engagement in scientific discussions.
• Interest in teaching and students’ supervision.
• Knowledge and/or previous experience in model-checking and formal verification, and experience in artificial intelligence techniques for the development, specification and control of autonomous systems is an asset. 
• Previous experience in the development and management of industrial projects and/or with the involvement of industrial partners is an asset.

We offer

• A fixed-term contract for a maximum duration of 4 years.
• Competitive salary, in line with Swiss standards.
• Participation in a European research project in collaboration with international academic and industrial partners.
• Workstation and instruments at IDSIA, in a challenging and high-profile international environment.
• Access to SUPSI student and staff facilities, and related benefits such as discounts and reduced rates (canteen, gymnasium, kindergarten, etc.).
• Coverage of participation costs in conferences, workshops and doctoral schools.
• Possibility of obtaining a PhD at the Faculty of Informatics of the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI).

Additional Information

The requirements for this function are published in the 'SUPSI Internal Directives' and in the 'SUPSI Personnel Regulations' at the following address.

For further information, please contact:

Francesco Flammini

Candidates must submit the following documents in English:

• Curriculum Vitae with list of publications (if any) and link to the master's thesis.
• Letter of motivation (1 page).
• Diplomas from the bachelor's and master's degree courses attended, together with the examinations taken and the marks obtained.
• List of two external referees (with e-mail addresses).

Applications will be considered only if submitted electronically within 16.07.2024, through the appropriate form.

Applications that are incomplete, submitted to other addresses, or submitted beyond the deadline, will be not accepted.