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PhD in Machine Learning for Graph Transformations and Symbolic Machine Learning Umeå University in Sweden
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
This is a temporary full-time employment position with monthly pay. The appointment supports four years of PhD studies, mainly devoted to doctoral studies, with up to 20% department service such as teaching; service may extend the appointment to a maximum of five years.
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
Sweden
University
Umeå University
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About this position
Umeå University is offering a PhD position in Computing Science focused on machine learning for graph transformations. The project explores a hybrid approach combining deep learning with grammatical inference to create models that are interpretable, efficient, and mathematically verifiable while retaining the flexibility of neural methods.
Graphs are increasingly important for representing structured information, including sentences, computer programs, social networks, and outputs from generative AI systems. The research will investigate transparent, rule-based rewriting systems that transform graphs, assess the correctness of AI-generated structures, and guide neural networks during inference. By combining grammatical inference, reinforcement learning, and efficient search algorithms, the project aims to automatically discover rules and probabilities for modeling complex graph behaviors.
The PhD student will collaborate closely with Professor Johanna Björklund and her research group at the Department of Computing Science. The work is expected to generate research outputs relevant to theoretical computer science and symbolic machine learning, with potential applications in automated theorem proving, knowledge-graph inference, causal analysis, and reliable AI.
The department provides an inclusive and collaborative research environment with researchers from many nationalities, alongside career development, networking, and technical and administrative support.
Funding details
This is a temporary full-time employment position with monthly pay. The appointment supports four years of PhD studies, mainly devoted to doctoral studies, with up to 20% department service such as teaching; service may extend the appointment to a maximum of five years.
What's required
Applicants must hold a second-cycle level degree, have completed at least 240 ECTS credits including at least 60 ECTS credits at second-cycle level, or possess equivalent foreign qualifications. Admission to doctoral studies in computer science requires at least 90 higher education credits in computer science or subjects directly relevant to the specialization. Candidates should have solid analytical and mathematical abilities, experience with machine learning and formal language or automata theory, strong communication skills, English proficiency, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Academic writing, strong Python programming, knowledge graphs, and graph neural networks are advantageous. Applicants should be intellectually curious, self-motivated, well-organized, and engaged with the scientific community.
How to apply
Submit a complete application electronically through Umeå University's e-recruitment system by November 30, 2026. Include an English or Swedish cover letter, CV, theses or publications, degree certificates and course records, and documentation of relevant experience; attach documents as PDFs.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.