Postdoctoral Researcher in eXplainable Artificial Intelligence

The Department of Software Science invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow position in eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI), focusing on applications in the energy domain and smart buildings.

CONTEXT:

Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence are topics we have all heard a lot about. They have a wide range of applications, including in the energy sector. However, one of the problems is the lack of interpretability of such models, meaning we do not understand how they make their decisions. This results in a lack of trust from the user's point of view, as they typically prefer to stick with proven tools that they understand. XAI is a concept that tries to close this gap. Despite active ongoing research, numerous challenges and limitations remain when it comes to the fundamentals of XAI methods.

We are seeking a prospective postdoctoral fellow who will work on developing novel human-centric data-driven methods and XAI-based algorithms to improve the energy performance of smart buildings with a focus on healthy environment.

TASKS:

• Publish and present scientific articles top-tier journals and international conferences.
• Assist in relevant teaching activities.
• Contribute to the goals of the Centre of Excellence in Energy Efficiency (ENER grant TK230) funded by the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research.

The research will be performed in collaboration with Prof. S. Nõmm, High-assurance Software Laboratory. The position is fixed term, from 1 October 2024 until 30 September 2025 with an option to extend to another year, based on the progress.

For further details and information, please contact Prof. Juri Belikov juri.belikov@taltech.ee.

Ph.D. degree in mathematics, computer science, or related field.

• List of selected publications in Q1 journals (Scopus or WoS).
• Good programming skills in e.g. Python or MATLAB.
• Solid experience with explainable ML.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international team.
• Clear interest in the research topic, demonstrated through a motivation letter, preferably supported by the research plan.

To apply for the position, please send the following documents in English by 15 August 2024 at the latest by clicking the application link "Apply Now":

• a motivation letter, preferably supported by the research plan; 
• documents proving that the candidate holds the required academic degree for the position applied; 
• a CV, including a list of publications;
• an academic portfolio, including a motivated self-evaluation regarding compliance with the requirements for the researcher position set out in the Academic Career Management Regulation, Annex 3 “Academic Evaluation Matrix” (shall be submitted by a university staff member only) or a free format evaluation of the academic activity undertaken so far and the competencies required for work (shall be submitted by an external candidate only) detailing how the candidate meets the qualifications of the position; 
• other documents considered important by the candidate.

Regarding further information on the application documents and recruitment process please contact TalTech HR konkurss@taltech.ee.

Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is the flagship in engineering and IT science and education in Estonia, providing higher education at all levels in engineering and technology, information technology, economics, science, and maritime. TalTech’s mission is to be a promoter of science, technology, and innovation and a leading provider of engineering and economic education in Estonia. The university has over 2000 employees and over 10 000 students, and approximately 70 000 alumni.

The Nonlinear Control Systems Group of the Department of Software Science focuses on nonlinear control systems. While the group predominantly develops application-independent general methods, we are exploring the theoretical and practical challenges associated with the digital transformation of the energy domain. In this way, we aim to advance the field of Energy Informatics by developing innovative IT technologies with a primary focus on addressing energy utilization and management challenges.

TalTech has a green and one of the most compact university campuses in Europe that includes the Tehnopol Tallinn Science Park. Low hierarchy, academic freedom and a balanced work and family life are valued at TalTech. The university provides individual development and training opportunities, material and non-material tokens of acknowledgement, sporting opportunities at TalTech Sports Club and all-staff activities.