PhD Position: Generative, Explainee-Aware Explainability Methods for Eco-Cognition in Cyber-Physical Systems University of Antwerp in Belgium

The University of Antwerp, a leading European institution, is offering a full-time PhD position within the Faculty of Science’s IDLab research group, as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (GREET). The project focuses on developing generative, explainee-aware explainability methods for eco-cognition in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). GREET aims to pioneer proactive, trustworthy, and fully explainable CPS by integrating Generative Learning Cognitive Services (GLCS) that combine generative eco-cognition, cognition-oriented proactivity learning, and explainee-aware explainability. The research leverages advanced AI, cognitive science, and interaction design to enable CPS to understand their environment, anticipate changes, act proactively, and provide tailored, real-time explanations to diverse users. Applications include smart manufacturing, assistive robotics, energy systems, and networked environments, with a particular focus on networking within IDLab. As a doctoral candidate, you will prepare and defend a PhD thesis in Artificial Intelligence and CPS, emphasizing Explainable AI. Your research will explore how CPS can explain their eco-cognition and understanding of environments, situations, and intentions in ways that are accurate, context-aware, and comprehensible to both humans and machines. The goal is to enhance trust, transparency, and cooperation between CPS agents and users. You will investigate the requirements and features of CPS cognition explainability using real-life examples, including secondments at Hoare Lee LLP and TQC Ltd (UK), and contribute to the development of explainability repositories during a secondment at Edinburgh Napier University (UK). Collaboration with other doctoral researchers, industry partners, and the IDLab team is central, and you will gain hands-on experience through these secondments. The position also involves publishing scientific articles, presenting at conferences, and supporting teaching and research activities within the Faculty of Science. Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree and should have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or a closely related field. Candidates must not have resided or worked in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment. Strong academic results, expertise in AI/ML (especially deep generative models), solid Python programming skills, and interest in explainable AI and CPS are required. Additional knowledge in mobile/satellite networks, network programmability, and NTN architectures is valued. Fluency in English and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research are essential. The position offers a competitive MSCA doctoral scholarship, with funding for training, research events, and commuting allowances. The initial contract is for 36 months, with a possible 12-month extension. The application deadline is 12 November 2025. Applicants should submit their materials via the University of Antwerp’s online platform, including a motivation letter, CV, transcripts, reference letters, English certificate, and a research proposal aligned with the project’s core themes and IDLab’s research areas.