I. Bogunovic

The Rhine AI research group at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Basel, invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in post-training diffusion language models. The project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, is titled “Foundations of Post-Training for Reasoning in Diffusion Large Language Models.” The successful candidate will develop reinforcement learning methods for post-training large diffusion-based language models, investigate reasoning-aware generation strategies such as adaptive unmasking and credit assignment, and help create benchmarks for evaluating reasoning across domains, including mathematical problem solving. The PhD researcher will conduct machine learning and artificial intelligence research, publish and present work at leading conferences such as ICML, NeurIPS, and ICLR, and collaborate with national and international AI experts. The position is based in Basel, Switzerland, starts in January 2027 or later, and normally lasts four years. Applicants should hold a Master's degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, or a related discipline, with an exceptional academic record, strong mathematical preparation, and excellent coding and implementation skills. Experience with large language models, reinforcement learning, or generative modeling is welcome but not required. Fluency in spoken and written English is essential. Applications should include a short motivation statement of up to 150 words, a curriculum vitae with publication list if applicable, bachelor's and master's transcripts, recommender contact details, and a recent thesis or publication where applicable. Applications are encouraged by November 20, 2026, although there is no fixed deadline and the vacancy remains open until a suitable candidate is found.

The University of Basel invites applications for a PhD position in the field of Reasoning in Machine Learning, supervised by Prof. I. Bogunovic and Prof. A. Lucchi. This opportunity is based in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, offering a vibrant research environment with access to national and international collaborators, including EPFL and ETH. The research focus is on the foundations and applications of reasoning with large language models (LLMs), including emerging diffusion-based architectures. The successful candidate will explore both theoretical mechanisms and practical applications of reasoning in modern LLMs, such as solving mathematical reasoning problems and optimizing decision-making policies in complex environments using reinforcement learning. The project also involves developing fine-tuning protocols for large pre-trained models to adapt them to specialized reasoning domains and addressing generalization gaps in LLM reasoning. Research tasks include conducting applied mathematics and computer science investigations, writing and presenting research papers at leading international conferences (ICML, NeurIPS, ICLR, JMLR, AISTATS), and collaborating with teams of mathematicians and computer scientists. The work blends experimentation in RL, few-shot learning, meta-learning, and formal analysis to advance the reliability and scope of AI reasoning systems. Applicants must hold a Master's degree in mathematics, theoretical physics, or computer science, with a strong academic record and robust mathematical foundation. Essential skills include coding, implementation, and the ability to run large-scale experiments. Research experience is beneficial but not mandatory. Fluency in English and excellent communication skills are required. The University of Basel encourages applications from women and other underrepresented groups. The position offers close supervision, diverse tasks, opportunities for international conference travel, and excellent salary, benefits, and working conditions. The PhD duration is 4 years, with a flexible start date around July 2026. To apply, submit two PDF files via the online portal, including a motivation statement, CV, transcripts, contact info for recommenders, and your latest thesis or publication. Early applications are encouraged before April 15, 2026, but the position remains open until filled. For more information and to apply, visit the official application link.