University:
Delft University of Technology
Country:
Netherlands
Deadline:
2025-08-31
Fields:
Computer Science, Operations Research, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, StatisticsAre you passionate about harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to transform decision-making under uncertainty? Do you aspire to develop innovative algorithms that can offer robust and reliable recommendations for critical real-world problems? If your academic ambitions lie at the intersection of symbolic AI, optimisation, and statistical reasoning, this PhD position at TU Delft could be your gateway to cutting-edge research and impactful career opportunities.Strong and confident decision-making is at the core of many societal and engineering challenges today. Yet, the complexity and uncertainty inherent in real-world systems often make it difficult to ascertain which variables truly influence outcomes. This PhD project invites you to leverage advanced combinatorial and algorithmic methods to identify these critical parameters, thus enabling more robust, data-efficient, and reliable decision-making processes.
About The University Or Research Institute
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is one of Europe’s premier technical universities, renowned for its pioneering research, high-impact innovation, and vibrant academic community. Located in the historic city of Delft, the university boasts a strong tradition in engineering, science, and design, with a global reputation for excellence. TU Delft has been at the forefront of groundbreaking advancements, from the world-famous Dutch waterworks to state-of-the-art biotech and digital technologies. As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you will join a diverse and international research environment, collaborating with leading experts and contributing to solutions for some of society’s most pressing challenges.
Research Topic and Significance
The focus of this PhD position is on Symbolic AI and Reasoning Under Uncertainty, with a particular emphasis on sensitivity analysis for decision-making models. In contemporary applications, algorithms generate recommendations based on complex models with numerous input parameters. However, determining which of these inputs genuinely drive the outcomes is crucial for resource allocation, contingency planning, and ensuring the robustness of decisions.
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Traditional sensitivity analysis often relies on computationally intensive simulations, which may overlook significant variables. This project proposes a paradigm shift: employing logic-based and structural methods to formally identify critical parameters. By exploiting the structure of logic problems, the research aims to deliver formal guarantees on robustness, reduce computational costs, and improve the reliability of decision-support systems. This approach holds immense promise for fields such as engineering, policy-making, and societal infrastructure, where robust and explainable AI is essential.
Project Details
As a PhD candidate, you will be part of the Algorithmics section within the Software Technology (ST) department at TU Delft, collaborating closely with the Statistics section of the Delft Institute of Applied Mathematics (DIAM). The project is supervised by a distinguished team: dr. ir. Sicco Verwer (promotor), dr. Fabian Mies, and dr. Anna Latour (co-promotores).Your research will build upon and expand knowledge in modelling and solving paradigms such as Boolean Satisfiability, Constraint Programming, and Mixed-Integer (Linear) Programming. You will also develop methods for reasoning about discrete probability distributions, sampling complex spaces, and statistical analysis. The role involves collaboration with other researchers and software engineers to create practical tools for both academic and societal stakeholders. You will disseminate your findings through publications and presentations at leading conferences and journals, providing excellent opportunities for international networking and professional growth.The Algorithmics section is a dynamic, diverse environment where PhD and postdoc researchers work together on theoretical and algorithmic contributions to intelligent decision-making. The group addresses challenges including scalability, model learning for planning and verification, and the integration of stakeholder preferences into algorithmic processes. TU Delft’s interdisciplinary ecosystem further enhances your research experience, with opportunities to engage in cross-faculty initiatives addressing topics such as climate change, energy transition, and artificial intelligence.
Candidate Profile
Applicants Should Possess The Following Qualifications And Attributes
– A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Operations Research, or a related field (required by the Graduate School of TU Delft).– Proficiency in the English language (see https://www.tudelft.nl/onderwijs/opleidingen/phd/admission).– Demonstrable knowledge of reasoning paradigms such as Boolean Satisfiability, Constraint Programming, or Mixed Integer (Linear) Programming (preferred).– Programming skills in languages such as Java, Python, or C++ (preferred).– Solid understanding of statistics and probability theory, particularly hypothesis testing.– Excellent critical and analytical thinking skills.– A proven record of, and interest in, further developing research skills, including self-organisation, academic writing, and a critical attitude.– Strong enthusiasm for state-of-the-art algorithmic and optimisation techniques, especially their application to decision-making.– Affinity for teaching and mentoring students.– Ability to work effectively in a team and take initiative.This position is ideal for candidates who are passionate about symbolic AI, optimisation, statistical reasoning, and who are eager to contribute to the advancement of robust decision-making methodologies.
Application Process
Are You Interested In This Vacancy? Please Apply No Later Than 31 Aug 2025 Via The Application Button And Upload The Following Documents– CV– Motivational letterYou can address your application to Dr. Anna Latour.In addition to the required documents (your tabular CV and cover letter), we ask you to do the following:– Submit a recent example of your own academic writing (e.g., a draft of your MSc thesis).– Select 1-3 publications by Dr. Anna Latour. For each publication, please write a short paragraph addressing: (1) What you found most interesting or surprising about the research and why, and (2) What follow-up research you would propose based on your reading and why. Please submit these paragraphs along with your application.Apply via the application button and upload your tabular CV, cover letter, sample of recent academic writing, and paragraph(s) about Dr. Latour’s publication(s).Apply: https://careers.tudelft.nl/job/Delft-PhD-Position-Symbolic-AI-and-Reasoning-Under-Uncertainty-2628-CD/824585702/
Conclusion
This PhD position at TU Delft offers a unique opportunity to engage in pioneering research at the intersection of symbolic AI, optimisation, and statistical reasoning. If you are driven to make a meaningful impact on decision-making methodologies and thrive in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, we encourage you to apply. Stay tuned to similar opportunities by following updates below this post.Want to calculate your PhD admission chances? Try it here:https://phdfinder.com/phd_admission_chance_calculator/Get the latest openings in your field and preferred country—straight to your email inbox. Sign up now for 14 days free: https://phdfinder.com/position-alert-service/We’re an independent team helping students find opportunities.Found this opportunity helpful? Support us with a coffee!
