PhD in AI-Enhanced Epidemiological Modeling and Control at Pázmány Péter Catholic University Pázmány Péter Catholic University in Hungary

PhD opportunity in AI-enhanced epidemiological modeling and control at Pázmány Péter Catholic University (Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics), Budapest, Hungary.

The position is part of the Horizon Europe AURORAI project, focused on advancing pandemic preparedness and response through high-quality data and AI. The research sits at the intersection of machine learning, control theory, agent-based modeling, simulation, data science, applied mathematics, and high-performance computing.

The successful PhD candidate will work with the PPKE Epidemic Modeling Group and collaborate with experts including Prof. Gábor Szederkényi, Prof. Attila Csikász-Nagy, Prof. István Reguly, and Dr. Péter Polcz. The project uses the PanSIM agent-based microsimulation framework to develop AI-driven outbreak prediction and control strategies, including reinforcement learning and model predictive control for evaluating public health interventions.

Research interests include epidemic modeling, population dynamics, mobility data, decentralized data spaces, simulation scaling, and data-driven intervention planning. The role also involves interfacing Python ML tools with a C++ simulation core and contributing to national-scale modeling workflows.

Funding: fully funded for 3-4 years, with a competitive stipend of approximately 1500-2100 EUR. Additional support includes access to HPC infrastructure, conference travel, consortium meetings, and possible research stays.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) by the start date, have strong mathematical foundations, solid Python/ML skills, and English proficiency. A working knowledge of C++ is required or expected to be learned quickly. EU/EEA citizenship or the right to work in Hungary is noted in the announcement.

Deadline: 31 May 2026. Start date: September 2026.

How to apply: send a single PDF containing your CV, cover letter, and 1-2 academic references to [email protected] with the subject line PhD Application – AURORAI.