Kevin Mets

The University of Antwerp is offering a full-time doctoral scholarship holder position in Artificial Intelligence, focused on continual graph learning . The project sits within the Department of Electronics and Information and Communication Technology in the Faculty of Applied Engineering and is connected to IDLab research on continual graph learning . The research explores how graph neural networks can learn from a sequence of evolving tasks, graphs, or distributions while retaining previously learned knowledge. This PhD project is suitable for candidates interested in machine learning, deep learning, graph-based learning, and applied AI. Potential application areas mentioned in the call include gesture recognition, human activity recognition, and energy forecasting in smart grids (such as demand, supply, and flexibility forecasting). The doctoral researcher will publish scientific articles and perform a limited number of teaching and research support tasks. The position is based at the University of Antwerp, with work mainly at City Campus (The Beacon) and Campus Groenenborger. The university describes itself as a dynamic, internationally oriented institution with strong research activity and a broad doctoral training environment through the Antwerp Doctoral School. Eligibility highlights include a master’s degree in Computer Science, Informatics, Mathematics, or a closely related field, excellent academic results, strong English proficiency, experience with deep learning, and Python coding experience with toolkits such as PyTorch. Applicants are also expected to show strong analytical, problem-solving, and collaborative qualities. Funding is provided as a doctoral scholarship for one year, renewable annually for up to three additional years after positive evaluation. In addition to the scholarship amount, the package includes eco vouchers, an internet-connectivity allowance, and either a bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting. The application deadline is 16 August 2026 at midnight Brussels time. Applicants must submit a motivation letter, academic CV with transcript, two reference letters, an English proficiency certificate, and a research proposal of up to four pages excluding references. The proposal should cover the problem statement, expected novelty and impact, brief approach, evaluation plan, and alignment with IDLab’s research.

The University of Antwerp is offering a full-time doctoral scholarship holder position in Artificial Intelligence , focused on continual reinforcement learning . The work sits within the Department of Electronics and Information and Communication Technology in the Faculty of Applied Engineering, with research aligned to IDLab and reinforcement learning at the University of Antwerp. This PhD project studies how learning agents can adapt across changing tasks, environments, or objectives while retaining previously learned skills. The topic addresses key challenges in modern AI such as catastrophic forgetting, knowledge transfer, and learning under non-stationarity. Potential application domains include autonomous systems, robotics, and flexible asset management in smart grids (for example storage and electric vehicles). The doctoral researcher will prepare and defend a PhD thesis, publish scientific articles, and undertake a limited amount of teaching and research support for the department. The position is student-oriented but research-intensive, making it suitable for applicants with a strong background in machine learning and a clear interest in developing new algorithms for continual and reinforcement learning. Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold, or be close to obtaining, a master's degree in Computer Science, Informatics, Mathematics, or a closely related field. Strong academic performance is expected. The university also asks for a solid interest in AI and machine learning, experience with deep learning, preferably reinforcement learning experience, practical Python coding skills using frameworks such as PyTorch, strong analytical ability, and proficiency in English. Funding: the university offers a doctoral scholarship for one year, renewable annually for up to three further years after positive evaluation. The scholarship amount follows the standard doctoral scholarship scale, and additional benefits include eco vouchers, internet-connectivity allowance, and either a bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting. Work location: most work will be carried out at City Campus (The Beacon) and Campus Groenenborger in Antwerp, Belgium. Application deadline: 16 August 2026 at midnight Brussels time. Applications must be submitted online and include a motivation letter, academic CV with transcript of study results, two reference letters, an English proficiency certificate, and a short research proposal (maximum four pages, excluding references) covering the problem statement, novelty/impact, approach, evaluation plan, and alignment with IDLab research.

The University of Antwerp is offering a full-time doctoral scholarship holder position in Artificial Intelligence focused on explainable reinforcement learning (XRL) . The PhD will be based in the Department of Electronics and Information and Communication Technology within the Faculty of Applied Engineering . This research project investigates how reinforcement learning agents can make decisions, policies, and learning processes understandable to humans. The goal is to improve transparency, trust, safety, and regulatory compliance in high-stakes decision-making systems. Potential application domains include autonomous systems , robotics , and flexible asset management in smart grids such as storage and electric vehicles. The successful candidate will work toward the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis , publish scientific articles related to the project, and undertake a limited amount of teaching and research support work for the department. The research is aligned with IDLab research on reinforcement learning at the University of Antwerp. Applicants should hold, or be about to obtain, a master’s degree in Computer Science, Informatics, Mathematics, or a closely related field . Strong study results are required. The university also looks for candidates with a strong interest in machine learning and artificial intelligence, experience with deep learning, preferably experience with reinforcement learning and explainable/interpretable AI, and coding experience in Python with deep learning toolkits such as PyTorch . Good analytical and problem-solving abilities and proficiency in English are also required. The scholarship is initially awarded for one year and can be renewed annually for up to three additional years after positive evaluation. The monthly scholarship amount follows the standard doctoral scholarship scale. Additional benefits include eco vouchers , an Internet-connectivity allowance , and either a bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs. The planned start date is 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is primarily based at City Campus (The Beacon) and Campus Groenenborger in Antwerp, Belgium. Applications must be submitted online by 16 August 2026 (midnight Brussels time). Required documents include a motivation letter, academic CV with transcript of study results, two reference letters with contact details, an English proficiency certificate, and a short research proposal of up to 4 pages excluding references. The proposal should cover the problem statement and motivation, expected novelty and impact, brief methodological approach, evaluation plan, and alignment with IDLab research. For questions about the job itself, the contact person is Kevin Mets, Assistant Professor ( [email protected] ). General application questions can be sent to [email protected] .