PhD in Resilient Machine Learning and Formal Methods Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

Tu/e is offering a PhD position in Resilient Machine Learning and Formal Methods at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands. The project sits at the intersection of machine learning, formal methods, automated reasoning, probabilistic verification, and reinforcement learning, with a strong emphasis on safe and trustworthy AI.

The research aims to move beyond conventional robustness toward resilient machine learning: models that can detect failures, learn from mispredictions, adapt to distribution shifts, and recover to a stable operating state. The project will develop novel learning algorithms for reactive, online settings, study mechanisms for self-correction, and evaluate performance on challenging benchmarks. In parallel, formal methods will be used to provide rigorous guarantees of quality of service and to define and check formal notions of resilience.

The position is embedded in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, in collaboration with the Data and Artificial Intelligence cluster and the newly established Center for Safe AI. The work is highly interdisciplinary and will involve regular collaboration with the three supervisors: Mykola Pechenizkiy, Cassio de Campos, and Clemens Dubslaff. The team also has access to national computing infrastructure and the TU/e HPC cluster SPIKE-1.

Applicants should have, or be near completion of, an MSc in computer science, mathematics, artificial intelligence, or a related field. Strong machine learning knowledge, mathematical maturity, and an interest in formal reasoning are important. Programming skills in Rust or Python are preferred, and experience with PyTorch or similar frameworks is an advantage. A good command of English at C1 level is required. The role also includes a teaching component, with at least 10% of working time devoted to teaching tasks over the four-year employment.

The appointment is a full-time PhD employment contract for four years with an intermediate assessment after nine months. Salary follows Dutch university scale P, with gross monthly pay from €3,204 to €4,051, plus a year-end bonus and vacation allowance. Additional benefits include pension contributions, leave arrangements, training opportunities, commuting and home-working support, and relocation-related support for international candidates.

The application deadline is 2026-08-20. Candidates must apply online and submit a cover letter, transcripts, CV, and a thesis or writing sample. Complete applications are processed with priority, and applications by email or post are not accepted.