Attila Csikász-Nagy

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 .

PhD opportunity at Pázmány Péter Catholic University (PPKE), Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Budapest, Hungary, within the Horizon Europe project AURORAI (Advancing Pandemic Preparedness and Response through High-Quality Data and AI). The project sits at the intersection of AI , epidemiological modeling , control theory , machine learning , and agent-based modeling . The successful candidate will work on behaviour-aware, AI-enhanced outbreak prediction using the PanSIM microsimulation framework, combining Python-based ML methods with the C++ simulation core and scaling from city-level to national-level dynamics using HPC. Supervision and collaboration involve Prof. Gábor Szederkényi, Prof. Attila Csikász-Nagy, Prof. István Reguly, and Dr. Péter Polcz, in a 14-partner European consortium spanning academic, clinical, and industrial partners. The role includes designing reinforcement learning and model predictive control strategies, integrating demographic and mobility data, and contributing to scientific publications and conference presentations. Eligibility highlights: applicants should have a Master’s degree or equivalent in Control Engineering, Machine Learning/Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Bioengineering, or a related field; strong mathematical foundations; proficiency in Python and ML ecosystems; and English proficiency. A working knowledge of C++ is required or expected to be learned quickly. Desirable experience includes mathematical epidemiology, population dynamics, ABMs, HPC, and parallelization. Funding: fully funded PhD for 3–4 years, with a competitive stipend of approximately €1,500–2,100/month, plus access to HPC resources, travel support, and possible research stays. Application deadline: 31 May 2026 . Start date: September 2026 . Applicants should submit a single PDF by email to [email protected] including CV, cover letter, and 1–2 academic references.