New research project: Neural tensor train networks (NTTN)
The project is a collaboration between the research groups of Prof. Estelle Massart ( Mathematical Engineering Department, UCLouvain) and Prof. N. Vannieuwenhoven ( Numerical Analysis and Applied Mathematics Research Unit , KU Leuven), and is funded by the Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S.-FNRS) and Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek – Vlaanderen (FWO).
Vacancies : 4-year fully funded PhD position
The PhD candidate will carry out fundamental scientific research on the NTTN project of professors E. Massart (UCLouvain) and N. Vannieuwenhoven (KU Leuven) in the Mathematical Engineering Department, UCLouvain. Your research will draw from an interesting blend of deep learning, group theory, numerical linear algebra, representation theory, and tensor decompositions to tackle some of these challenges. The research has both a theoretical as well as an applied component. The majority of the applicant's time will be devoted to their research project and their formation as an independent researcher, which will include studying new mathematical techniques, reading papers, implementing software, computer experimentation, mathematical analysis, writing scientific articles, and presenting their results at international scientific conferences. In this process, they will be guided and mentored by both supervisors. The candidate will enroll in the PhD program and prepare a PhD dissertation on aforementioned research. Aside from the main research occupation, the candidate will be assigned limited tutoring in small groups. This can include guiding Master's thesis students. In addition, the candidate will be encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities and may be presented with opportunities to apply their expertise to support industry-driven consulting projects. The project is a collaboration between UCLouvain in Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve and KU Leuven in Heverlee. The candidate will be employed at UCLouvain. We encourage the candidate to foster and strengthen the interaction between the two research groups.
Profile
We are looking for a candidate with a Master's degree in applied or pure mathematics, broadly defined (the degree must be / have been obtained with distinction or honors, at the latest by the October 2024). The ideal traits of a PhD student for this topic are creativity, independence, a methodological approach to problem solving, a scientific evidence-based mindset, resistance and tolerance of failures and set-backs, and mathematical maturity. The candidate is highly motivated to perform state-of-the-art research, wants to learn something new every day, and is not afraid of hands-on experimentation. We expect that the training of the ideal candidate included at least topics of computer science (programming, data structures, and fundamental algorithms), data science (deep learning, optimization), and mathematics (calculus, geometry, linear algebra, algebra). The candidate is encouraged to include relevant evidence of this in the application. Knowledge of abstract algebra, differential geometry, optimization theory, representation theory, and/or tensor decompositions are particularly strong assets, though it is not expected at the onset of the PhD. The candidate is fluent in English, both written and spoken, as demonstrated for example by their Bachelor or Master's thesis, or other scientific output. Knowledge or a willingness to learn French is an asset, but not a requirement. UCLouvain is an inclusive employer. We especially encourage students from any underrepresented groups to apply for this position.
Offer
We offer a 4-year fully funded PhD position at the Mathematical Engineering Department), which is part of the ICTEAM Institute), at UCLouvain. This includes a competitive salary, health insurance and other social benefits, as well as an appropriate research budget. Our mathematical engineering department gather about 15 academics and 40 PhD students/postdoctoral researchers, and has a strong expertize in optimization, machine learning, scientific computing, dynamical system and control theory. This department is located in Louvain-la-Neuve, a small and mostly car-free city about 30km to the South-East of Brussels. The collaborating partner department at KU Leuven is located on the Arenberg III campus in the quiet outskirts of Leuven.
How to apply?
Please send your application file to estelle[dot]massart[at]uclouvain[dot]be, by March 26, 2024. Your application file should include your CV, a one-page motivation letter, the transcript of your grades obtained in your master degree courses, and a copy of your master degree (if already obtained). Optionally, your application could contain submitted/published papers. For any question, please contact estelle[dot]massart[at]uclouvain[dot]be.