[TYPES/announce] PhD position on Probabilistic Programming Languages at Uppsala University

[Johannes Borgström]

PhD position in Computer Science on Probabilistic Programming

Uppsala University is an international research university focused on the development of science and education. Our most important assets are all the individuals who with their curiosity and their dedication makes Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting work places. Uppsala University has 41.000 students, 6,500 employees and a turnover of SEK 5,900 million.

Job assignment: Probabilistic programming is a promising approach to machine learning, where a model for the observed data is written down as program code with probabilistic operations. The program can then be compiled into an inference or sampling routine. This approach promises rapid development of sophisticated bespoke models for data, efficient inference, and reusability through modularity. Active research problems include the appropriate probabilistic operations, their formal meaning (i.e., semantics), and how to compile probabilistic programs. 

The project involves the design of a new probabilistic programming language. The focus is on new operations that make use of model evidence (i.e., the probability of observed data in the model), and investigation of their semantics.  Different aspects of the language should be studied: its equational theory, that describes admissible compiler optimizations; its absolute expressiveness, by how well it can describe existing models; and its relative expressiveness, with respect to competing languages.

Qualifications: The candidate should have a Master of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics or equivalent, with a strong background in machine learning, probability theory or programming languages. Knowledge of formal semantics, measure theory and theorem provers is desirable.

The position is for a maximum of five years and includes departmental duties at a level of at most 20% (mainly teaching) as well as coursework. You will be expected to teach in English or Swedish. Good knowledge of written and spoken English is a requirement for employment.

For more information: http://www.teknat.uu.se/Doktorand and http://www.it.uu.se/grad/.

Rules governing Ph.D. candidates are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5, §§ 1-7, and in the Uppsala University's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/Rules_and_regulations_in_English/. 
There are university guidelines regarding salary level.

The application should include a description of research interests and past experience, a CV, copies of exams, degrees and grades, relevant publications, and other relevant documents. Candidates are encouraged to provide letter(s) of recommendation and contact information to reference persons. 

Please note that applications can only be accepted via the web interface linked below.

The department is striving to achieve a more equal gender balance and female candidates are particularly invited to apply.

For more information, see http://www.it.uu.se/ (the department) or contact: Dr. Johannes Borgström, johannes.borgstrom at it.uu.se (assistant professor).

You are welcome to submit your application no later than 28 February 2015. UFV-PA 2015/189. Use the link below to apply.

http://www2.personalavd.uu.se/jobb/appform.php?lang=en&case=UFV-PA%202015/189

We decline offers of recruitment and advertising help. We only accept the application the way described in the advertisement.

Placement: Department of Information Technology
Type of employment: Full time , PhD placement
Number of positions: 1
Working hours: 100%
Town: Uppsala
County: Uppsala län
Country: Sweden
Union representative: Carin Söderhäll, TCO/ST 018-471 1997 1 
Per Sundman, Saco-rådet 018-471 1485 1 
Stefan Djurström, Seko 018-471 3315 1 
Number of reference: UFV-PA 2015/189
Last application date: 2015-02-28