PhD Student in Computing Science with a Focus on Neuro-Symbolic Graph Transformation

Umeå University, one of Sweden’s largest and most dynamic higher education institutions, is renowned for its world-leading research and high-quality education. The university’s Department of Computing Science is seeking a motivated PhD student to join a cutting-edge project focused on Neuro-Symbolic Graph Transformation, under the supervision of Professor Frank Drewes. The department is internationally recognized and offers a vibrant, inclusive research environment with a diverse team of scholars from various backgrounds. The project centers on integrating neural computation methods into rule-based models of graph transformation, aiming to combine the transparency and explainability of symbolic approaches with the adaptability and learning capabilities of neural models. This interdisciplinary research involves both formal mathematical reasoning and practical software implementation, providing opportunities for theoretical exploration and experimental validation. As a PhD student, you will benefit from comprehensive support in career development, networking, and technical resources, along with excellent employment conditions. The position is fully funded for four years, with the possibility of up to 20% departmental service (such as teaching), which can extend the appointment to a maximum of five years. The department values gender diversity and encourages applications from women and those outside the gender binary. Eligibility requirements include a second-cycle degree or equivalent (at least 240 ECTS credits, with 60 at the second-cycle level), and at least 90 ECTS credits in computer science or closely related subjects. Candidates should have a strong background in Theory of Computation, formal languages, automata, and the mathematical and computational foundations of neural networks. Experience in machine learning, computational complexity, tree automata, tree transductions, and graph transformation systems is considered advantageous. Applicants should be curious, open-minded, capable of formal reasoning, and able to implement research models in software. The application process is entirely electronic via the Umeå University e-recruitment system. Required documents include a cover letter (describing research interests and motivation), CV, copies of BSc/MSc theses and publications, degree certificates, transcripts, documentation of relevant experiences, and contact details for two referees. All documents must be in PDF format and written in English or Swedish. The application deadline is 23 November 2025, and the expected start date is 2 February 2026 or as otherwise agreed. For further information, visit the department’s website or contact Professor Frank Drewes at [email protected]. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to innovative research at the intersection of symbolic and neural computation, in a supportive and forward-thinking academic environment.