PhD position in Human-centred Explainable Constraint Solving

The Augment group is is one of the research units of the Human-Computer-Interaction section of the Department of Computer Science of KU Leuven. Research in the Augment group focuses on Human-Centered AI, an emerging discipline that aims to amplify and augment human abilities and preserve human control in order to make AI systems more productive, enjoyable, and fair. The objective is to enable end-users to understand the rationale of AI models and to enable them to steer models with input and feedback. The approach is researched to increase appropriate trust, acceptance and accuracy of models and to empower users to be an active and responsive part-taker in data-driven solutions. The focus is on visualisation and interaction techniques, using the full spectrum of hardware from small mobile devices to large multi-touch displays. Applications include learning analytics, precision agriculture, healthcare, media consumption, digital humanities, food & nutrition, fintech and human resources.
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Project

We have an open PhD position (fully funded, 4 years) in Human-centred Explainable Constraint Solving.

The project aims to develop human-centered explanations for constraint systems. While such explanations have been extensively explored from an algorithmic standpoint, especially when the constraint solver can not find any solution (unsatisfiability), these explanations are often not tailored to the needs of end-users. This project focuses on the analysis and co-creation of explanation types and methods in constraint solving. The focus is on visualisations that scale to large problems, that allow for interactive solving, and that include novel explanation generation methods 

Profile

We expect from applicants:

• an excellent Master degree in Computer Science or related discipline
• strong programming skills
• the ability to do independent research
• a  good background and interest in human-computer interaction research: this is a strong requirement
• strong commitment and the ability to work in a team
• a high level of proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Offer

Funding is available immediately. The research will be carried out at the Department of Computer Science of KU Leuven.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Katrien Verbert, mail: [email protected] or Mr. Robin De Croon, mail: [email protected].

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.