PhD Student (Research Assistant)

Offer Description

The person employed in the position will be responsible for:

• Conducting scientific research on the application of Topological Data Analysis (TDA) methods to the analysis and interpretation of how artificial neural networks function.
• Developing new mathematical and algorithmic methods for studying the geometry and topology of activation spaces and internal data representations within neural networks.
• Analyzing changes in the structure of data representations that occur during the neural network training process, and investigating their relationship to prediction quality, generalization capability, and model robustness.
• Developing and implementing computational tools based on TDA methods—specifically Mapper, Ball Mapper, and persistent homology—to analyze various neural network architectures, including convolutional neural networks and Transformer-based models.
• Designing and conducting computational experiments using real-world and synthetic datasets, including exploring the potential for identifying adversarial examples and anomalous behaviors in AI models.
• Preparing scientific publications, presenting research findings at conferences, and collaborating with members of an interdisciplinary research team.

Where to apply

E-mail: trails@uw.edu.pl

Requirements

• Research Field: Mathematics » Applied mathematics
  Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
• Research Field: Computer science » Other
  Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
• Research Field: Physics » Other
  Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Specific Requirements

Applications in English should include the following documents (arranged in the order given if submitted as a single PDF file):

1. A cover letter explaining your interest in the project, addressed to the Director of the Center for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence for Life Sciences - International Research Agendas Programme.
2. Scientific CV with publications, conference presentations, produced code as well as candidate’s industrial experience.
3. A description of key competencies and experience.
4. A description of scientific achievements. Publications, implementations, or patents, distinctions, or awards should be included.
5. The “Applicant Questionnaire” form (available on the University of Warsaw website at link).
6. A scan of the Master’s diploma.

Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Good

Research Field: Mathematics » Other; Computer science » Other; Physics » Other

Internal Application form(s) needed

Applicant_Questionnaire_UW.pdf (English, 70.09 KB - PDF)

Additional Information

Eligibility criteria

We are looking for candidates with a strong background in mathematics, computer science, data science, or a closely related field, and an interest in the mathematical and computational foundations of artificial intelligence.

Required qualifications:

• fulfilment of the requirements set out in Article 113 of the Law on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws of 2024, item 1571, consolidated text).
• a degree in mathematics, computer science, data science, physics, or a related discipline appropriate to the career stage of the position;
• a solid background in at least one of the following areas: machine learning, Topological Data Analysis, applied topology, computational geometry, dynamical systems, or mathematical data analysis ideally with industrial experience;
• familiarity with the basic principles of machine learning and neural networks;
• strong programming skills, preferably in Python, and willingness to implement and experimentally evaluate new methods;
• ability and willingness to work with high-dimensional data and computational models;
• ability to work independently, formulate research questions, and communicate research results clearly;
• good command of written and spoken English.

We expect you to be a PhD student in a doctoral program or be on the list of those admitted to a doctoral program.

Additional assets include:

• previous experience with persistent homology, Mapper, Ball Mapper, or other methods of Topological Data Analysis;
• experience with deep neural networks and the analysis of internal representations or activation spaces;
• familiarity with geometric or topological approaches to machine learning and representation learning;
• experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, or related machine-learning frameworks;
• experience with convolutional neural networks, transformers, or other modern neural-network architectures;
• familiarity with concepts of adversarial examples, robustness, interpretability, or explainable AI;
• knowledge of dynamical systems and methods for comparing dynamical behaviour;
• experience with dimensionality reduction, manifold learning, clustering, or high-dimensional data analysis;
• experience with natural language processing or representation of non-numerical data would be advantageous;
• industrial experience in machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, or software development, particularly involving real-world datasets or deployed AI systems;
• experience in interdisciplinary collaboration with academic or industrial partners;
• interest in combining mathematical theory with computational experiments and applications to real-world AI systems.

Selection process

Candidates will be assessed based on:

• research and implementation achievements,
• experience in commercializing research results and collaborating with the industry.

Candidate evaluation will be conducted in accordance with applicable regulations, including:

• Statute of the University of Warsaw,
• Recruitment Documentation 2/2025 under the FENG International Research Agendas program, available at https://www.fnp.org.pl/component/fnp_programs/program/miedzynarodowe-agendy-badawcze-feng/nabor-2-2025
• Recommendations of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers
• Order No. 27 of the Rector of the University of Warsaw of 27 February 2025 (UW Monitor of 2025, item 50) https://monitor.uw.edu.pl/Lists/Uchway/Attachments/7256/EN.M.2025.50.Zarz.27.pdf

Additional comments

A complete set of application documents, collected in a single PDF or ZIP file, bearing the candidate’s surname, should be sent via email to: trails@uw.edu.pl. Please include the job posting reference number in the subject line.

Applications that are incomplete or submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: University of Warsaw
• Country: Poland
• City: Warsaw
• Postal Code: 02-097
• Street: Stefana Banacha 2C

Contact

• City: Warsaw
• Website: https://trails.www.uw.edu.pl
• Street: Stefana Banacha 2C
• Postal Code: 02-097
• E-Mail: trails@uw.edu.pl