PhD position in machine learning and algorithmic aspects in a Human-Centric Data Economy

Data Transparency Group

Deadline for receipt of applications: July 1, 2024 23:59 AoE (02 July 2024, 13:59h Europe/Madrid Time)

The modern digital economy relies on data as its main resource. With the resurgence of deep neural networks, at the beginning of the decade, a vast array of applications have fuelled economic growth as well as new business models. This project will focus on contemporary problems of machine learning such as model interpretation and feature importance, among others. The interested applicant will work as part of a team with a diverse range of skills, on setting the foundation of a new human-centric data economy, where users become active participants in the value flow, and are remunerated for their efforts.

Requirements (as many as possible):

• Degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics or related technical field.
• Strong background on Machine Learning and Algorithms.
• Strong grasp of Python and relevant libraries for statistics / data science.
• Familiarity with either Tensorflow or Pytorch.
• A background in statistics or at least an understanding of basic notions is strongly desired.
• A desire to work on foundational topics and publish at top conferences.

Related Pointers:

• Goodfellow, Bengio and Courville – Deep Learning book (http://www.deeplearningbook.org/)
• Bishop – Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning
• Wu et al – A Comprehensive Survey on Graph Neural Networks (https://arxiv.org/pdf/1901.00596.pdf)
• Molnar – Interpretable Machine Learning (https://christophm.github.io/interpretable-ml-book/)
• Paraschiv, N. Laoutaris, “Valuating User Data in a Human-Centric Data Economy,” [arXiv:1909.01137].

The selected student will be supervised by Dr. Nikolaos Laoutaris

Equal Employment Opportunity

IMDEA Networks Institute aims to increase the proportion of women and therefore qualified female applicants are explicitly encouraged to apply. Until a balanced ratio of men and women has been achieved at the institute, preference will be given to women if applicants have similar qualifications. IMDEA Networks Institute actively promotes diversity and equal opportunities. Applicants are not to be discriminated against in personnel selection procedures on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, religion or ideology, age, sexual orientation (anti-discrimination). People with disabilities who have the relevant qualifications are expressly invited to apply.