Fully funded PhD studentship in Machine Learning at University of Surrey

Duration of studentship: 3 years
Stipend: £16,000 per annum
Location: Dept. of Computer Science, University of Surrey, Guildford
Eligibility: The studentship covers UK/EU tuition fees.
Studentship start date: as soon as practical after 01/02/2018
Application closing date: 31/01/2018 (the position will remain open thereafter until it has been filled).
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Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship in Machine Learning at the University of Surrey. The studentship will commence in 2018 (as early as February or thereafter) and will be based at the Dept. of Computer Science, University of Surrey, Guildford. The award is tenable for 36 months and covers UK/EU tuition fees plus a stipend of £16,000 per annum. Additional fees for overseas students are not covered by this funding, however, other funding sources might be available for exceptionally good candidates. A first review of candidates will be undertaken on 31/01/2018. The position will remain open thereafter until it has been filled. Apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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*About the University of Surrey*
The University of Surrey is recognised as one of the leading universities in the UK with a world-class research profile and an enterprising spirit and has climbed rapidly in national and international league tables as of recent years (e.g. 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2018, 7th in the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 12th in the Complete University Guide 2018). The University has an outstanding record in student employment and teaching excellence. The Department of Computer Science embodies the ethos of “applying theory into practice” across its research and teaching activities. The Department consistently ranked in the top 10 in the UK according to academic subject rankings of SJTU Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) in Computer Science. The Department of Computer Science is located at a beautiful campus on Stag Hill close to the Surrey Research Park in Guildford and within easy commuting distance of London (e.g. 35 minutes train journey from London Clapham Junction).
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*PhD Project Description*
The project will be in the area of Machine Learning. Research topics include: Machine Learning and Data Science; Logic-based and Relational Learning (aka Inductive Logic Programming); Anomaly Discovery; Machine Learning for Cyber-Security; Automatic Testing and Debugging; Human-Like Computing; Explainable AI; Automated Scientific Discovery; Computational Systems Biology and Bioinformatics; IoT for Bio-monitoring; Machine Learning of Biological Networks; Nature-Inspired Computation (e.g Genetic and Evolutionary Computation).
The precise scope of the project will be discussed between the candidate and the supervisor. This project will be supervised by Dr Alireza Tamaddoni Nezhad (a.tamaddoni-nezhad-AT-surrey.ac.uk).
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*Person Specification*
Essential:
- Bachelor degree in Computer Science (UK equivalent of 2:1 classification or above)
- Keen Interest in research topics of the respective projects
- Programming experience (any language, however, Prolog would be an advantage)
- Analytical and formal skills: knowledge of foundations of computer science (e.g. discrete mathematics) and of relevant mathematical background.
- ability to think independently and self-learning capabilities
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, both in plain English and scientific language for publication in relevant journals and presentation at conferences.
Desirable:
- Master’s degree (UK equivalent of Merit classification or above)
- Proficiency in Prolog and/or C/C++, Python, Java
- Flexible, able to work collaboratively
- A strong team player with good interpersonal skills able to build and sustain effective working relationships with the research group
- Self-motivated researcher, with a hands-on approach, willing to develop their technical and analytical skills and contribute to the overall aims of the research project in innovative ways
- Proven organisational skills for self and others
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*How to apply*
The formal application process requires the submission of a CV (preferably no longer than 2 pages), two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two referees, copies of degree certificates and transcripts from all university-level courses taken.
In addition to the above, as part of your application, the candidate is also required to upload the following document: a cover letter, explaining your interests, computer-science and research experience (including examples of previous project work and/or scientific publications, if any).
For more details about the application process, please contact:
a.tamaddoni-nezhad-AT-surrey.ac.uk or
joanna.sharp-AT-surrey.ac.uk
or visit: jobs.surrey.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=105317