PhD position on Calibration in Deep Learning for Zero Downtime in Cyber-Physical Systems

The vacancy is focused on calibration in deep learning. Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) have demonstrated significant predictive capabilities across various domains including computer vision, speech recognition, and natural language processing. Existing sophisticated neural network architectures are frequently integrated into practical applications. However, recent research has highlighted a crucial issue: despite their high accuracy achieved through training, deep neural networks often have overconfident and underconfident predictions. Deploying uncalibrated models in real-world systems poses substantial risks, particularly in safety-critical contexts like monitoring critical infrastructure systems. Calibrating deep learning models is essential to mitigate this risk, ensuring that the model's posterior distribution accurately represents uncertainty without being excessively overconfident.

The PhD candidate is supposed to carry out research on calibration in deep learning at the Pervasive Systems Research group, Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. The candidate is expected to closely collaborate with the project partners such as Vrije Universiteit, Saxion, TNO-ESI and industrial partners ASML, Canon Production Printers, ITEC, Philips, and ThermoFisher Scientific.

The main research objectives are:

Conduct research in calibrating AI, including but not limited to designing and implementing calibrated deep neural models, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results.

Collaborate with the team to explain the root causes of model miscalibration, optimize diagnostic processes for monitoring for Cyber- Physical System diagnostics.

Write technical reports and research papers for publication in top-tier journals and conferences (Percom, Ubicomp, IPSN, SenSys, IJCAI, AAAI, NIPS, ICML).

Your profile

The ideal candidate has a Master's degree in either Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering, or Mathematics

You have solid background and strong experience in deep learning

Familiarity with Cyber-Physical Systems and systems diagnostics

You should be interested in solving analytical tasks, conduct experiments, and develop prototypes, combined with intermediate programming skills (e.g. in R, Python or C-something)

Prior experience in calibrating AI, generative AI is a plus (with frameworks such as TensorFlow and Pytorch)

You have a strong personality to defend your research ideas not only at university but also in an industrial context

You have good communication skills, and you have a strong interest in operating at the crossroads of different disciplines

You have an excellent command of English (C1; above IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)

You are able to do independent research and have publication skills

Our offer

As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;

The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;

Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);

You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.770,- (first year) to € 3.539,- (fourth year);

There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;

The flexibility to work (partially) from home;

A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis;

Free access to sports facilities on campus

A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);

You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;

We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 19/05/2024 , and include:

A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.

A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.

An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

A short description (maximum 1 page of A4) of your MSc research

Names and contact details of 2-3 referees (they will be approached only if the candidate is shortlisted).

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Duc Le Viet ([email protected])

About the department

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) comprises three disciplines that shape Information and Communication Technology. ICT is more than communication. In almost every product we use mathematics, electronics and computer technology and ICT now contributes to all of societies' activities. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. The research which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes MESA+, CTIT and MIRA.

About the organisation

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more? Le Viet Duc, D.V. (Duc)

Assistant Professor

Le Viet Duc, D.V. (Duc)

Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Duc for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

Phone:+31534895225

Email:[email protected]

How to apply Step 1

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

Your Colleagues

Havinga, P.J.M. (Paul)

Personal page

Le Viet Duc, D.V. (Duc)

Personal page

Nguyen, M.S. (Minh Son)

Personal page

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At the UT it's all about people, in line with our university's High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.

Our mission We are a university of technology

Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

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We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

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