PhD Position in Explainable AI with Commonsense Knowledge
The Centre for Software Technology (CST), part of the Maersk McKinney Moller Institute in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), is offering a 3-year PhD position focused on Explainable AI (XAI) with Commonsense Knowledge (CSK). The position starts from May 1, 2026, with the exact date to be agreed upon with the successful candidate. CST is located at SDU Vejle, a new campus dedicated to excellence in information technology, and is involved in a range of national and European research projects, collaborating with both academic and industrial partners.
The PhD project aims to advance the paradigm of explainable AI, particularly its intersection with commonsense knowledge, in the context of intelligent systems such as domestic and service robots. These robots increasingly operate in human environments, requiring not only physical navigation but also an understanding of social norms and human interaction. By integrating XAI and CSK, robots can interpret complex social contexts, articulate their decisions to humans, and foster trust and predictability in their actions. The project will explore the limitations of opaque-box deep learning models and the advantages of clear-box XAI approaches, including decision trees and knowledge bases built on commonsense reasoning.
Key research responsibilities include investigating trust and human-AI collaboration, modeling subjective human needs (e.g., comfort, boredom), defining and extracting CSK premises for targeted applications, mitigating bias and overfitting in AI systems, and conducting real-world experiments with robots in environments such as grocery stores, restaurants, and households. The candidate will contribute to the development of next-generation reliable, intelligent, and interactive software solutions, with a strong emphasis on human-centered design and data-informed development.
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Robotics, or a related field by the time of enrollment. Required skills include proficiency in AI and robotics, programming expertise in Java, C, Python, or ROS, experience with machine learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit Learn), and strong mathematical and statistical knowledge. English proficiency for technical writing and communication is essential. Preferred qualifications include familiarity with XAI techniques, knowledge base development, and practical experience with robotics and intelligent systems.
The position is a full-time, salaried PhD fellowship with a competitive monthly gross salary and benefits, governed by Danish university regulations and collective agreements. Employment is contingent upon enrollment in the PhD School and compliance with faculty and ministerial regulations. SDU encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and may conduct background checks for security reasons. International applicants can find additional information about working in Denmark and the Faculty of Engineering on the SDU website.
To apply, candidates must submit a motivated cover letter, CV, degree certificates and transcripts, completed TEK PhD application forms, and any relevant publications or references. All documents must be in English and PDF format, following the submission guide. The application deadline is April 7, 2026. For further information, contact the supervisors listed in the position description.
