Doctoral researcher in Machine Learning for Official Statistics

About us

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services.
We play an instrumental role in Europe by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent. We look for researchers from diverse academic backgrounds to contribute to our projects in areas such as: Network Security, Information Assurance, Model-driven Security, Cloud Computing, Cryptography, Satellite Systems, Vehicular Networks, and ICT Services & Applications.

Your role

The position holder will be required to perform the following tasks/will do research on the following topics:

• Software engineering practices for machine learning
• Tabular machine learning
• Large language models on structured data

As the successful candidate, you will primarily contribute to a partnership project with STATEC, the National Statistics Institute in Luxembourg. The successful candidate will join the Security, Reasoning and Validation (Serval) research group and work on a research project related to the application of machine learning for official statistics. The subject of the thesis will be "Exploring Large Language Models for Data-to-Text Problems" and involves the study of technical methods and approaches for adapting large language models to tasks mixing text and structured data, such as statistical report generation and semantic search across historical statistics publications. Successful PhD candidates will extensively explore and analyse the suitability and potential benefits of LLMs (and other machine learning models) in these tasks. These investigations include the feasibility, practicality and success evaluation of prototype implementations. More generally, the PhD thesis is part of a large initiative at Serval and SnT, which aims to support the reliable deployment of machine learning systems by providing industry actors with practical tools.

For further information, please contact Dr. Maxime Cordy

Your profile

• Master in Computer Science. Major in machine learning or software engineering is an asset
• Strong programming skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Industry experience in information and communication technology will be considered as an advantage
• Commitment, team working, a critical mind, and motivation are skills that are more than welcome
• Knowledge of both the basics and the latest developments of machine learning, in particular large language models and other generative AI models
• Operational Language Requirements: Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are required. French is a plus

Academic Eligibility (Thesis):

Applicants must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of their thesis. For details and accepted certificates, please visit the Application for admission - Doctoral Candidates.

We offer

• A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
• An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focus
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Research statement and topics of particular interest to the candidate (300 words)

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08327

The yearly gross salary for every Doctoral researcher at the UL is EUR 43445 (full time).