2 PhD positions on Safe Machine Learning (MSCA FINALITY Doctoral Network)

Opportunistic Architectures Lab

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

IMDEA Networks Institute, Madrid, is one of the beneficiaries of the MSCA FINALITY (saFe learNIng for lArge scaLe InTerconnected sYstems) Doctoral Network, financed by the European Union in the Call: HORIZON-MSCA-2023-DN-01-01 call of the Horizon Europe program.

In the framework of the FINALITY Doctoral Network, we invite applications for up to two PhD positions working on challenging theoretical and practical problems in Safe Machine Learning. Specifically, we are looking for students to tackle the following research problems in their PhD theses:

1)    Interpretable machine learning for network adaptation.  In this thesis, the student will study how interpretable models and explainable learning algorithms could be used in real cellular networks for safe management operations meant to make network troubleshooting more rapid and effective.

2)    Equity of green network-embedded machine learning. In this thesis, the student will investigate sustainable distributed inference architectures, and on distributed learning algorithms, that aim at equalizing the performance of in-network green ML/AI as observed from different and heterogeneous users.

Selected students will work under the supervision of Vincenzo Mancuso and Antonio Fernández Anta. Students will collaborate with researchers and research support personnel in the OppArch Lab, led by Vincenzo Mancuso and Marco Ajmone Marsan, and in the Global Computing Group, led by Antonio Fernández Anta. The members of the OppArch Lab focus on solutions for extremely high-performing opportunistic architectures for communication and computing in highly dense cellular networks and for infrastructure-less wireless services. The members of the Global Computing Group work on distributed systems, and data acquisition and analysis.

Successful applicants will work on algorithms and techniques to make Safe Machine Learning available for future large interconnected systems. This is a unique opportunity to develop and test new AI techniques for complex interconnected systems, such as those envisioned in future (6G and beyond) communication networks and in mobile & edge computing platforms.

Academic Qualifications and Skills Required:

• Strong motivation to tackle challenging research problems.
• M.Sc. or equivalent in Mathematics, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering
• Strong interest in applied optimization, AI/ML, algorithm design (primary); and communication/computing systems (secondary). Prior research experience and publications are a plus.
• Excellent academic results (First-class honors or equivalent).
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory.

 What we offer:

• A vibrant international workplace with the opportunity of collaborating with top research groups at the institute and elsewhere
• The prospect to publish at top-tier venues in networking/related fields
• Help with moving to Spain and settling at IMDEA
• Competitive salary package

For any further question please contact:

Dr.Vincenzo Mancuso (vincenzo.mancuso@imdea.org) https://networks.imdea.org/es/equipo/equipo-imdea-networks/personas/vincenzo-mancuso/

Dr. Antonio Fernández Anta (antonio.fernandez@imdea.org)

https://networks.imdea.org/es/equipo/equipo-imdea-networks/personas/antonio-fernandez-anta/

This contract is cofounded by the project “FINALITY. Safe learning for large scale interconnected systems” (Grant Agreement number 101168816), funded by the European Commission through Horizon Europe program call HORIZON-MSCA-2023-DN-01.

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.