The Delft Tensor AI Lab (DeTAIL) focuses on both the development and application of novel low-rank AI tensor methods. The main focus of applications is primarily in the field of biomedical signal processing. DeTAIL currently has 2 PhD projects:

Large-scale tensor-based kernel methods: Kernel methods have become well-established nonparametric machine learning methods for both unsupervised and supervised problems. The key ingredient in kernel methods is the kernel matrix which contains the evaluations of a chosen kernel function in the measured data. Inversion of this kernel matrix quickly becomes a problem for large-scale data. Your research focus will be on solving this problem through the development of novel kernel methods based on low-rank tensor approximations.

Learning nonlinear dynamics from uncertain data with tensors: Modelling dynamical processes is a crucial component in developing knowledge and is usually the first step in applications. For most real-life processes it is too difficult or even impossible to derive a model from first principles. In these cases, a model has to be learned from measured data. Two major challenges in learning dynamics from data are nonlinearity and noise. Models that describe nonlinear dynamics consist of considerably large amounts of parameters and therefore large amounts of data are required for the learning task, leading to computational bottlenecks. In addition, measured data is inherently noisy and this introduces uncertainty into the learning problem. Your research focus will be in tackling these issues through the development of robust tensor-based probabilistic machine learning methods for learning nonlinear dynamics from noisy data.

The DAI Lab DeTAIL is led by Kim Batselier and Borbála Hunyadi. You will work in the faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (3mE) at the Delft Center for Systems and Control (DCSC). The 3mE Faculty carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

• Completed a relevant MSc degree in an applied sciences field relevant to PhD research.
• Demonstrated competences in one or more of these categories: numerical linear algebra, statistics, machine learning, signal processing, control theory, or another relevant field.
• An affinity with teaching and guiding students.
• A proven record and interest in further developing your modelling, programming, analytical and scientific writing skills.
• An affinity with cities and transportation.
• Proficiency in expressing yourself verbally and in writing in English.
• The ability to work in a team, take initiative, are results oriented and systematic.

Fixed-term contract: 5 years.

TU Delft offers DAI-Lab PhD-candidates a 5-year contract (as opposed to the normal 4-years), with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Approximately a fifth of your time will be allocated to developing ground breaking learning materials and educating students in these new subjects.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3217 in the fifth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers both in business and in a social context. TU Delft offers 16 Bachelor’s and 32 Master’s programmes to more than 23,000 students. Our scientific staff consists of 3,500 staff members and 2,800 PhD candidates. Together we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering.

Department
DeTAIL is a Delft Artificial Intelligence Lab. Artificial intelligence, data and digitalisation are becoming increasingly important when looking for answers to major scientific and societal challenges. In a DAI-lab, experts in ‘the fundamentals of AI technology’ along with experts in ‘AI challenges’ run a shared lab. As a PhD, you will work with at least two academic members of staff and three other PhD candidates. In total, TU Delft will establish 24 DAI-Labs where 48 Tenure Trackers and 96 PhD candidates will have the opportunity to push the boundaries of science by using AI. Each team is driven by research questions which arise from scientific and societal challenges and contribute to the development and execution of domain specific education. Instead of the usual 4-year contract, you will receive a 5-year contract. Approximately a fifth of your time will be allocated to developing ground breaking learning materials and educating students in these new subjects. The experience you will gain by teaching will be invaluable for future career prospects. All team members have many opportunities for self-development. You will be a member of the thriving DAI-Lab community that fosters cross-fertilization between talents with different expertise and disciplines.