Doktorand i maskininlärning

## About the Role Note: This is a shortened version of the advertisement. To see the full advertisement, please click "Apply here" or visit Uppsala University's website for job postings: https://www.uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-jobb Are you interested in developing mathematically grounded methods for uncertainty quantification in deep learning, with a special focus on large language models for applications in healthcare? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employee relations and offers secure, favorable working conditions? Welcome to apply for a PhD position at Uppsala University. The Department of Information Technology holds a leading position in both research and education at all levels. We are currently Uppsala University's third largest department and have today just over 350 employees, of whom 120 are teachers and 120 are PhD students. About 5,000 undergraduate students take one or more courses at the department each year. More information about us can be found on the Department of Information Technology's website. ## About the DDLS Research Program The PhD position is part of the national research program DDLS. Data-driven life science (DDLS) uses data, computational methods, and artificial intelligence to study biological systems and processes at all levels – from molecular structures and cellular processes to human health and global ecosystems. SciLifeLab and the Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) aim to recruit and train the next generation of data-driven life science researchers and to create globally leading competence in computational and data science in Sweden. The program is financed with a total of 3.3 billion SEK over 12 years from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW). In 2026, the DDLS research school will be expanded through the recruitment of 25 academic and 7 industrial PhD students. During the program, more than 260 PhD students and 200 postdocs will be part of the research school. The DDLS program has four strategic research areas: cell and molecular biology, evolution and biodiversity, precision medicine and diagnostics, and epidemiology and infection biology. For more information, see: https://www.scilifelab.se/data-driven/ddls-research-school/ The future of life sciences is data-driven. Do you want to be part of that change? Then you are welcome to participate in this unique program! ## Project Description Large language models (LLMs) enable the extraction of clinical information from unstructured medical text. Current LLM-based methods, however, often lack principled uncertainty quantification, which limits their reliability in healthcare applications. The project aims to develop mathematically grounded methods for uncertainty quantification in deep learning, with a special focus on large language models, where the methods are based on probability theory, statistical inference, and probabilistic modeling. The focus is on quantifying and evaluating uncertainty in predictions derived from medical records and integrating these uncertainties into subsequent probabilistic time-to-event models. The applications will focus on prostate cancer and use large-scale clinical registry data as well as unstructured medical text. ## Responsibilities - The PhD student will primarily devote themselves to their own doctoral education. - Other duties at the department, such as teaching and administrative work, may be included within the scope of the employment (max 20%). ## Requirements **Basic Eligibility:** Eligibility for doctoral education requires that the applicant has: - Obtained an advanced level degree in applied mathematics, applied statistics, technical physics, physics, machine learning, or a similar field, OR - Completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits at advanced level including an independent project of at least 15 credits, OR - Otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge. The university may grant an exception to the requirement for basic eligibility for an individual applicant if there are special reasons. (Chapter 7, Section 39 of the Higher Education Act). For special eligibility, see the study plan for the subject. **We are looking for candidates with:** - Interest in method development in applied mathematics and statistics. - Interest in uncertainty-aware machine learning. - Good communication skills and sufficient knowledge of English in speech and writing. - Creativity, accuracy, and a structured approach to problem-solving. **Mandatory Skills:** - Strong knowledge of linear algebra, probability theory, and analysis is required. - Good programming skills are also required. ## Nice to Have Experience in one or more of the following areas is meritorious: - Bayesian statistics - Mathematical modeling - Probabilistic machine learning - Deep learning - Large language models ## Benefits & Employment Details - Regulations for PhD students are found in Chapter 5, Sections 1-7 of the Higher Education Ordinance as well as in the university's rules and guidelines. - The employment is fixed-term, according to Chapter 5, Section 7 of the Higher Education Act. - The scope is full-time. - Start date: 1 October 2026 or by agreement. - Location: Uppsala. ## Application The application must include: - A personal letter (max 1 page) explaining how you meet the qualification requirements, motivating why you are applying for this position, and your estimated earliest start date. - A curriculum vitae (CV). - Degree certificates and transcript of records (translated into English or Swedish). - Degree report (or draft thereof, and/or other self-produced technical or scientific text), publications, and other relevant documents. - References with contact information (name, email, and phone number) and up to two letters of recommendation. **Contact:** Information about the position is provided by: Assistant University Lecturer Sara Hamis, e-mail: [email protected]. **Deadline:** Please submit your application no later than 31 July 2026, UFV-PA 2026/1935.