PhD Stipend in Artificial Intelligence for Autonomous Systems (AI4OR Group) Aalborg University in Denmark

The Faculty of Engineering and Science at Aalborg University, Department of Materials and Production, invites applications for one or more PhD stipends in Artificial Intelligence for Autonomous Systems. These positions are part of the Artificial Intelligence for Operations Research (AI4OR) group, within the doctoral programme Materials Science, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. The appointment is set to begin from August 15, 2026, or soon thereafter, and will last for a period of three years.

The AI4OR group is renowned for its research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and operations research. The group tackles complex, high-impact problems through advanced modelling, data analysis, and algorithmic solution development. Research focuses on automated decision-making in autonomous cyber-physical systems, combining mathematical optimization, machine learning, and decision theory. The aim is to develop trustworthy, real-time autonomous systems with adaptive, explainable, and robust decision-making capabilities, addressing reliability, safety, and transparency in uncertain and dynamic environments.

Successful candidates will engage in cutting-edge research in close collaboration with leading Danish and European companies, as well as international academic partners. The project will explore the convergence of operations research, machine learning, and decision-making methodologies to design systems capable of functioning safely and efficiently under uncertainty. Industrial and public-sector collaborations ensure that the research has direct practical relevance and impact.

Limited teaching duties within the Global Business Engineering program and other study programmes at Aalborg University may be expected. The AI4OR group offers a vibrant research environment with more than 20 full-time researchers, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and strong international collaborations. The Department of Materials and Production is a wide-ranging research and educational environment, supporting activities from basic science to strategic and applied research in materials, mechanics, physics, production, and industrial management. The department’s mission is to meet future demands for new materials and production systems, with world-class laboratories and facilities for synthesis and characterization of materials.

Eligibility and Requirements: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Operations Research, Computer Science, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or similar, and possess a solid foundation in AI methods and mathematics. Motivation for developing autonomous decision-making systems, ability to integrate operations research and AI, and interest in transparent, trustworthy, and data-driven methods are expected. Enrollment as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science is required. Applicants must submit a CV, transcripts and diplomas, motivation letter, and list of publications (if applicable).

Funding: The position is fully funded as a PhD stipend for three years, with salary and terms of employment in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement). There is a mutual probationary period of three months.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system. All applicants will be informed about shortlisting after the deadline. The assessment of candidates will be carried out by qualified experts, and the hiring process may include a risk assessment. Diversity is a core value at Aalborg University, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Contact: For questions about the position, contact Søren Byg Vilsen at [email protected].

Apply here: Aalborg University PhD Application Portal