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The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics seeks a postdoctoral researcher within geometric deep learning. The employment is full-time for two years starting from August 1st 2025 or by agreement. Apply latest April 7th 2025.
Project description Geometric deep learning refers to the study of machine learning problems involving a-priori known symmetries. A simple example are convolutional neural networks, that are known to be invariant towards translations. Using representation theory, one can build networks that are invariant, or more generally equivariant, towards a very broad class of symmetries. These networks are mathematically highly intriguing, but have also been successfully used in several science-related applications. Explicitly accounting for symmetry is not the standard approach in machine learning – a well set up model should be able to ‘detect’ the symmetry automatically. One way to encourage the model to respect the symmetry is to explicitly make sure that the data is symmetric – one speaks about data augmentation.
In order to understand the relation between these approaches, we need to understand the effect of symmetric data on the training of neural networks. This will be the overarching goal of the post doc. The problem can be approached from many different angles. We are mainly interested in studying the problem theoretically.
The chosen candidate will be given the opportunity to work within the group for mathematical foundations for AI. This young, dynamic and international group is an environment bringing excellent opportunities for the researcher to develop their scientific interests and strengthen their qualifications. They are expected to work together with the current researcher in the groups on existing projects, but will also be given the opportunity to develop and work on their own research ideas.
The project is part of the AI/MLX track of the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems, and Software Program (WASP). WASP is Sweden’s largest individual research program ever, a major national initiative for strategically motivated basic research, education and faculty recruitment. The program addresses research on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems acting in collaboration with humans, adapting to their environment through sensors, information and knowledge, and forming intelligent systems-of-systems. The vision of WASP is excellent research and competence in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software for the benefit of Swedish society and industry. Read more: https://wasp-sweden.org/
Qualifications To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision.
To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area. Postdoctoral fellows who are to teach or supervise must have taken relevant courses in teaching and learning in higher education.
Good knowledge of spoken and written English, and proven scientific experience is required. Documented knowledge and experience in machine learning, dynamical system theory, geometry, optimization theory, probability theory and programming are merits.
Doctoral degree should be within mathematics, mathematical statistics, physics or a nearly related subject.
Qualifications A full application should include:
Cover letter in which you describe your qualifications and research interests, an explanation of why you are applying for the position and why you feel your qualifications and experience are relevant (up to 2 pages plus references),
Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list,
Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,
Verified copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and grades,
Copy of doctoral thesis and up to 3 relevant articles,
Other documents that the applicant wishes to present.
Applicants selected for interviews will be asked to provide contact information to two persons willing to act as references. The application must be written in English or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of this page. The closing date is April 7th 2025.
More information Further details are provided by Assistant professor Axel Flinth, axel.flinth@umu.se, +46 90 7866222.
More information about the department: https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-mathematics-and-mathematical-statistics/
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