Postdoc in mathematics for AI: geometric deep learning

Project description and information about the department
The Department of Mathematical Sciences at Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg has about 200 employees, and is the largest department of mathematics in Sweden. The department has three scientific divisions, Algebra and Geometry, Analysis and Probability Theory, and Applied Mathematics and Statistics, and successful research in pure and applied mathematics and mathematical statistics in a wide range of research areas is cunducted.  We are located in a modern building at the center of the Chalmers campus. Our department continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all our activities. We work actively to be a parent-friendly organization.

More information about us can be found on our website

At the division Algebra and Geometry we conduct research within the scope of algebraic- and complex geometry, various aspects of number theory, algebra and representation theory, complex analysis, mathematical physics and artificial intelligence, in particular geometric deep learning and maths for AI.

We are looking for a person who will work on the mathematical foundations of AI in the context of geometric deep learning and neural tangent kernels. The position is supported by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation through the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP).Our group is active in the area of geometric deep learning which combines aspects of representation theory with applications in deep learning, specifically computer vision. The purpose of the project is to extend this research in several promising directions, in particular towards the analytic study of wide neural networks via neural tangent kernels, combining two highly-active research areas. Further directions of interest are the geometries of data and of probability distributions as well as the application of deep learning to research in pure mathematics.

The areas relevant in this project feature strong connections to physics: On top of applications in physical problem settings, geometric deep learning is conceptually closely related to gauge theory and neural tangent kernels are related to the large-N limit of quantum field theory. There are active collaborations with the physics community and one aim of the project is to explore these connections further.

The results of this research are highly relevant to applications in many important areas such as computer vision, quantum chemistry, condensed-matter physics and explainable AI and collaborations in these areas exist within the group.

Although the position is embedded into an active research environment as outlined above and contribution to these projects is expected, independent research in related or neighbouring fields is highly encouraged.

Outstanding applications from candidates with research areas in mathematics, physics and computer science will be considered. Precedence will however be given to those who have a research profile compatible with the project description.

Major responsibilities
You will work in the research area of mathematics for foundations of AI. You are expected to contribute by developing new ideas both independently and in collaborations. You should be highly motivated and independent. Your ability to collaborate and communicate will be taken into account in the assessment.

There are no teaching obligations associated to this position. However, if desired, teaching and supervision is possible, up to an extent of 20%

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers). Exceptions may be made for special reasons, for instance parental leave or military service.

For this positon you should have completed a Ph.D. degree in mathematics, physics, computer science or equivalent, by the application deadline. Fluency in English is required.

The assessment of your application will be based mainly on your scientific skills. You are expected to provide evidence of excellence in research.  The applications will be assessed by a local recruitment committee at the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years. The position is expected to start on August 15, 2023, but the starting date is flexible.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20230017 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: February 24, 2023

For questions, please contact:
Daniel Persson, Head of Unit, Division of Algebra and Geometry
Email: daniel.persson@chalmers.se
Tel: +46 31 772 3174

Jan Gerken, project leader, Division of Algebra and Geometry
Email: gerken@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***